Aashto t27 t11
Aashto t27 t11
Aashto t27 t11
Scope
Sieve analyses determine the gradation or distribution of aggregate particles within a given
sample in order to determine compliance with design and production standards.
Accurate determination of material smaller than 75 µm (No. 200) cannot be made with
AASHTO T 27 alone. If quantifying this material is required, it is recommended that
AASHTO T 27 be used in conjunction with AASHTO T 11. Following the procedure in
AASHTO T 11, the sample is washed through a 75 µm (No. 200) sieve. The amount of
material passing this sieve is determined by comparing dry sample masses before and after
the washing process.
This procedure covers sieve analysis in accordance with AASHTO T 27 and materials finer
than 75 µm (No. 200) in accordance with AASHTO T 11 performed in conjunction with
AASHTO T 27. The procedure includes three method choices, A, B and C.
Apparatus
• Balance or scale: Capacity sufficient for the masses shown in Table 1, accurate to 0.1
percent of the sample mass or readable to 0.1 g. Meeting the requirements of
AASHTO M 231.
• Sieves – Meeting the requirements of AASHTO M 92.
• Mechanical sieve shaker – Meeting the requirements of AASHTO T 27.
• Suitable drying equipment (see FOP for AASHTO T 255).
• Containers and utensils: A pan or vessel of a size sufficient to contain the sample
covered with water and to permit vigorous agitation without loss of any part of the
sample or water.
• Optional Mechanical washing device
Sample Sieving
In all procedures it is required to shake the sample over nested sieves. Sieves are selected to
furnish information required by specification. The sieves are nested in order of decreasing
size from the top to the bottom and the sample, or a portion of the sample, is placed on the
top sieve.
Sieves are shaken in a mechanical shaker for approximately 10 minutes, or the minimum
time determined to provide complete separation for the sieve shaker being used.
Time Evaluation
The minimum time requirement should be evaluated for each shaker at least annually by the
following method: Continue shaking for a sufficient period and in such a manner that, after
completion, not more than 0.5 percent by mass of the total sample passes any sieve during
one minute of continuous hand sieving.
Provide a snug-fitting pan and cover, and hold in a slightly inclined position in one hand.
Strike the side of the sieve sharply and with an upward motion against the heel of the other
hand at the rate of about 150 times per minute, turning the sieve about one sixth of a
revolution at intervals of about 25 strokes. In determining sufficiency of sieving for sizes
larger than 4.75 mm (No. 4), limit the material on the sieve to a single layer of particles.
Overload Determination
Additional sieves may be necessary to provide other information, such as fineness modulus,
or to keep from overloading sieves. The sample may also be sieved in increments. For
sieves with openings smaller than 4.75 mm (No. 4), the mass retained on any sieve shall not
exceed 7 kg/m2 (4 g/in2) of sieving surface. For sieves with openings 4.75 mm (No. 4) and
larger, the mass, in grams shall not exceed the product of 2.5 x (sieve opening in mm) x
(effective sieving area). See Table 1.
TABLE 1
Maximum Allowable Mass of Material Retained on a Sieve, g
Nominal Sieve Size, mm (in.)
Exact size is smaller (see AASHTO T 27)
Sieve Size 203 φ 305 φ 305 x 305 350 x 350 372 x 580
mm (in.) (8) (12) (12 x 12) (14 x 14) (16 x 24)
2
Sieving Area m
0.0285 0.0670 0.0929 0.1225 0.2158
90 (3 1/2) * 15,100 20,900 27,600 48,500
75 (3) * 12,600 17,400 23,000 40,500
63 (2 1/2) * 10,600 14,600 19,300 34,000
50 (2) 3600 8400 11,600 15,300 27,000
37.5 (1 1/2) 2700 6300 8700 11,500 20.200
25.0 (1) 1800 4200 5800 7700 13,500
19.0 (3/4) 1400 3200 4400 5800 10,200
16.0 (5/8) 1100 2700 3700 4900 8600
12.5 (1/2) 890 2100 2900 3800 6700
9.5 (3/8) 670 1600 2200 2900 5100
6.3 (1/4) 440 1100 1500 1900 3400
4.75 (No. 4) 330 800 1100 1500 2600
-4.75 (-No. 4) 200 470 650 1200 1300
Sample Preparation
Obtain samples in accordance with the FOP for AASHTO T 2 and reduce to the size shown
in Table 2 in accordance with the FOP for AASHTO T 248.
These sample sizes are standard for aggregate testing but, due to equipment restraints,
samples may need to be partitioned into several “subsamples.” For example, a gradation that
requires 100 kg (220 lbs) of material would not fit into a large tray shaker in one batch.
Some agencies permit reduced sample sizes if it is proven that doing so is not detrimental to
the test results. Some agencies require larger sample sizes.
Check agency guidelines for required or permitted test sample sizes.
TABLE 2
Sample Sizes for Aggregate Gradation Test
Selection of Procedure
Agencies may specify what method will be performed. If a method is not specified method
A will be performed.
Overview
Method A
• Determine dry mass of original sample
• Wash through a 75µm (No. 200) sieve
• Determine dry mass of washed sample
• Sieve material
Method B
• Determine dry mass of original sample
• Wash through a 75µm (No. 200) sieve
• Determine dry mass of washed sample
Method C
• Determine dry mass of original sample
• Sieve coarse material
• Determine mass of fine material
• Reduce fine portion
• Determine mass of reduced portion
• Wash through a 75µm (No. 200) sieve
• Determine dry mass of washed sample
• Sieve fine portion
Procedure Method A
1. Dry the sample to a constant mass in accordance with the FOP for AASHTO T 255, and
record to the nearest 0.1 percent of the total sample mass or 0.1 g.
2. When the specification requires that the amount of material finer than 75 µm (No. 200)
be determined, perform Step 3 through Step 9; otherwise, skip to Step 10.
3. Nest a sieve, such as a 2.0 mm (No. 10), above the 75 µm (No. 200) sieve.
4. Place the test sample in a container and add sufficient water to cover it.
Note 1: A detergent, dispersing agent, or other wetting solution may be added to the water to assure a thorough
separation of the material finer than the 75 µm (No. 200) sieve from the coarser particles. There should be
enough wetting agent to produce a small amount of suds when the sample is agitated. Excessive suds may
overflow the sieves and carry material away with them.
5. Agitate vigorously to ensure complete separation of the material finer than 75 µm (No.
200) from coarser particles and bring the fine material into suspension above the coarser
material. When using a mechanical washing device, exercise caution to not degrade the
sample.
6. Immediately pour the wash water containing the suspended and dissolved solids over the
nested sieves, being careful not to pour out the coarser particles.
7. Add a second change of water to the sample remaining in the container, agitate, and
repeat Step 6. Repeat the operation until the wash water is reasonably clear. If a
detergent or dispersing agent is used, continue washing until the agent is removed.
8. Remove the upper sieve and rinse the material retained on the 0.75 mm (No.200) sieve
until water passing through the sieve is reasonably clear.
9. Return all material retained on the nested sieves to the container by flushing into the
washed sample.
10. Dry the washed aggregate to constant mass in accordance with the FOP for AASHTO T
255, and then cool prior to sieving. Record the “dry mass after washing”.
11. Select sieves to furnish the information required by the specifications. Nest the sieves in
order of decreasing size from top to bottom and place the sample, or a portion of the
sample, on the top sieve.
12. Place sieves in mechanical shaker and shake for the minimum time determined to provide
complete separation for the sieve shaker being used approximately 10 minutes.
Note 2: Excessive shaking (more than 10 minutes) may result in degradation of the sample.
13. Determine the individual or cumulative mass retained on each sieve and the pan to the
nearest 0.1 percent or 0.1 g. Ensure that all material trapped in the openings of the sieve
are cleaned out and included in the mass retained.
Note 3: Use coarse wire brushes to clean the 600 µm (No. 30) and larger sieves, and soft bristle brushes for
smaller sieves.
14. In the case of coarse / fine aggregate mixtures, the minus 4.75mm (No. 4) may be
distributed among two or more sets of sieves to prevent overloading of individual sieves.
Calculations
The total mass of the material after sieving, for both coarse and fine portions should check
closely with the original mass of sample placed on the sieves. If performing T 11 with T 27
this would be the dry mass after wash. If performing just T 27 this would be the original dry
mass. When the masses before and after sieving differ by more than 0.3 percent do not use
the results for acceptance purposes.
Percent Retained:
Where:
IPR= Individual Percent Retained
CPR= Cumulative Percent Retained
M= Total Dry Sample mass before washing
IMR= Individual Mass Retained OR Adjusted Individual mass from
Methods B or C
CMR= Cumulative Mass Retained OR Adjusted Cumulative Mass
from Methods B or C
IMR CMR
IPR = X 100 OR CPR = X 100
M M
PP = PPP-IPR OR PP = 100-CPR
Calculate percent retained on and passing each sieve on the basis of the total mass of the
initial dry sample. This will include any material finer than 75 µm (No. 200) that was
washed out.
Example:
Dry mass of total sample, before washing: 5168.7 g
Dry mass of sample, after washing out the 75µm (No. 200) minus: 4911.3 g
Amount of 75µm (No. 200) minus washed out: 5168.7 g – 4911.3 g = 257.4 g
Percent Retained:
619.0 1343.9
9.5 mm (3/8) Sieve 12.0% = X 100 OR 26.0% = X 100
5168.7 5168.7
Procedure Method B
1. Perform steps 1 thru 10 from the “Procedure Method A” then continue as follows:
2. Select sieves to furnish information required by the specifications. Nest the sieves in
order of decreasing size from top to bottom through the 4.75 mm (No.4) with a pan at the
bottom to retain the minus 4.75 mm (No. 4).
3. Place the sample, or a portion of the sample, on the top sieve. Sieves may already be in
the mechanical shaker or place the sieves in the mechanical shaker and shake for the
minimum time determined to provide complete separation for the sieve shaker being used
approximately 10 minutes.
Note2: Excessive shaking (more than 10 minutes) may result in degradation of the sample.
4. Determine the individual or cumulative mass retained on each sieve to the nearest 0.1
percent or 0.1 g. Ensure that all material trapped in the openings of the sieve are cleaned
out and included in the mass retained.
Note3: Use coarse wire brushes to clean the 600 µm (No. 30) and larger sieves, and soft hair bristle for smaller
sieves.
5. Determine the mass of the material in the pan [minus 4.75 mm (No. 4)] (M1).
6. Reduce the minus 4.75 mm (No. 4) using a mechanical splitter in accordance with the
FOP for AASHTO T 248 to produce a sample with a mass of 500 g minimum.
Determine and record the mass of the minus 4.75 mm (No. 4) split (M2).
7. Select fine sieves to furnish information required by the specifications. Nest the sieves in
order of decreasing size from top to bottom through the 75 µm (No. 200) with a pan at
the bottom to retain the minus 75µm (No. 200).
8. Repeat steps 3 and 4, Method B, with the minus 4.75 mm (No. 4) including determining
the mass of the material in the pan.
9a. Compute the “Adjusted Individual Mass Retained” of the size increment of the original
sample as follows when determining “Individual Mass Retained”.
IMR = M1 x B
M2
where:
IMR = Adjusted individual mass retained of the size increment on a total sample basis
M1 = mass of minus 4.75mm (No. 4) sieve in total sample
M2 = mass of minus 4.75mm (No. 4) sieve actually sieved
B = individual mass of the size increment in the reduced portion sieved.
9b. Compute the “Adjusted Cumulative Mass Retained” of the size increment of the original
sample as follows when determining “Cumulative Mass Retained”:
M
CMR = 1 × B + D
M2
where:
CMR = Total cumulative mass retained of the size increment based on a total sample
M1 = mass of minus 4.75mm (No. 4) sieve in total sample
M2 = mass of minus 4.75mm (No. 4) sieve actually sieved
B = cumulative mass of the size increment in the reduced portion sieved.
D = cumulative mass of plus 4.75mm (No. 4) portion of sample.
Example:
Coarse check sum: [(3085.1 -3085.0) / 3085.1] X 100 = 0.00 % is within the 0.3 percent
requirement.
Note4: The pan mass determined in the laboratory (M1) and the calculated mass (3085.1 – 1118.3 = 1966.8)
should be the same if no material was lost.
The pan (1966.7 g) was reduced in accordance with the FOP for AASHTO T 248, so that at
least 500 g are available. In this case, the mass determined was 512.8 g. This is M2.
In order to account for the fact that only a portion of the minus 4.75mm (No. 4) material was
sieved, the mass of material retained on the smaller sieves is adjusted by a factor equal to
M1/M2. The factor determined from M1/M2 must be carried to three decimal places. Both the
individual mass retained and cumulative mass retained formulas are shown.
M1 1,966.7 g
= = 3.835
M2 512.8 g
Each “individual mass retained” on the fine sieves must be multiplied by this adjustment
factor.
For example, the overall mass retained on the 2.00mm (No. 10) sieve is:
M 1 1,966.7 g
= = 3.835
M2 512.8 g
Each “cumulative mass retained” on the fine sieves must be multiplied by this
adjustment factor then the cumulative mass of plus 4.75 mm (No. 4) portion of
sample is added to equal the adjusted cumulative mass retained .
For example, the adjusted cumulative mass retained on the 0.425 mm (No. 40) sieve is:
Procedure Method C
1. Dry sample in accordance with FOP for AASHTO T 255. Determine and record the total
dry mass of the sample to the nearest 0.1 percent.
Note5: AASHTO T 27 allows for coarse aggregate to be run in a moist condition unless the nominal maximum
size of the aggregate is smaller than 12.5 mm (1/2 in.), the coarse aggregate (CA) contains appreciable material
finer than 4.75 mm (No. 4), or the coarse aggregate is highly absorptive.
2. Break up any aggregations or lumps of clay, silt or adhering fines to pass the 4.75 mm
(No. 4) sieve. If substantial coatings remain on the coarse particles in amounts that
would affect the percent passing any of the specification sieves, the sample should be
tested with either Method A or Method B.
3. Select sieves to furnish information required by the specifications. Nest the sieves in
order of decreasing size from top to bottom through the 4.75 mm (No.4) with a pan at the
bottom to retain the minus 4.75 mm (No. 4).
4. Place the sample, or a portion of the sample, on the top sieve. Sieves may already be in
the mechanical shaker or place the sieves in the mechanical shaker and shake for the
minimum time determined to provide complete separation for the sieve shaker being
used, approximately 10 minutes.
Note2: Excessive shaking (more than 10 minutes) may result in degradation of the sample.
5. Determine the individual or cumulative mass retained on each sieve to the nearest 0.1
percent or 0.1 g. Ensure that all material trapped in the openings of the sieve are cleaned
out and included in the mass retained.
Note3: Use coarse wire brushes to clean the 600 µm (No. 30) and larger sieves, and soft bristle brush for
smaller sieves.
6. Determine the mass of material in the pan [minus 4.75 mm (No. 4)] (M1).
7. Reduce the minus 4.75mm (No. 4) using a mechanical splitter in accordance with the
FOP for AASHTO T 248 to produce a sample with a mass of 500 g minimum.
8. Determine and record the mass of the minus 4.75mm (No. 4) split (M3).
9. Perform steps 3 thru 10 of Method A (Wash) on the minus 4.75mm (No. 4) split.
10. Select fine sieves to furnish information required by the specifications. Nest the sieves in
order of decreasing size from top to bottom through the 75µm (No. 200) with a pan at the
bottom to retain the minus 75 µm (No. 200).
11. Repeat steps 4 and 5, Method C, with the minus 4.75mm (No. 4) including determining
the mass of the material in the pan.
12a.Compute the “Adjusted Individual Mass Retained” of the size increment of the original
sample as follows when determining “Individual Mass Retained”:
where:
IMR = M1 x B
M3
IMR = Adjusted individual mass of the size increment on a total sample basis
M1 = mass of the minus 4.75mm (No. 4) sieve in total sample
M3 = mass of reduced portion of the minus 4.75mm (No. 4) before washing
B = mass of the size increment in the reduced portion sieved.
12b.Compute the “Adjusted Cumulative Mass Retained” of the size increment of the original
sample as follows when determining “Cumulative Mass Retained”:
M
CMR = 1 × B + D
M3
where:
CMR = Total cumulative mass of the size increment based on a total sample
M1 = mass of fraction finer than 4.75mm (No. 4) sieve in total sample
M3 = mass of reduced portion of material finer than 4.75mm (No. 4) before washing
B = cumulative mass of the size increment in the reduced portion sieved.
D = cumulative mass of plus 4.75mm (No. 4) portion of sample.
Coarse check sum: [(3304.5 -3304.5) / 3304.5] X 100 = 0.0 % is within the 0.3 percent
requirement
Note4: The pan mass determined in the laboratory (M1) and the calculated mass (3304.5 – 1295.6 = 2008.9)
should be the same if no material was lost.
The pan (2008.9 g) was reduced in accordance with the FOP for AASHTO T 248, so that at
least 500 g are available. In this case, the mass determined was 527.6 g. This is M3.
In order to account for the fact that only a portion of the minus 4.75 mm (No. 4) material was
washed and sieved, the mass of material retained on the smaller sieves is adjusted by a factor
equal to M1/M3. The factor determined from M1/M3 must be carried to three decimal places.
Both individual mass retained and cumulative mass retained formulas are shown.
Individual mass retained:
M1 = mass of the total minus 4.75mm (No. 4) before reducing.
M3 = mass before washing of the reduced portion of the minus 4.75mm (No. 4).
M1 2008.9 g
= = 3.808
M3 527.6 g
Each “individual mass retained” on the fine sieves must be multiplied by this adjustment
factor.
For example, the overall mass retained on the 2.00 mm (No. 10) sieve is:
M1 2008.9 g
= = 3.808
M3 527.6 g
Each “cumulative mass retained” on the fine sieves must be multiplied by this
adjustment factor then the cumulative mass of plus 4.75 mm (No. 4) portion of
sample is added to equal the total cumulative mass retained .
For example, the adjusted cumulative mass retained on the0.425.00 mm (No. 40) sieve is:
1392.2 + 1295.6 g = 2687.8 “Total Cumulative Mass Retained” as shown in the following
table
Fineness Modulus
Fineness Modulus (FM) is used in determining the degree of uniformity of the aggregate
gradation in PCC mix designs. It is an empirical number relating to the fineness of the
aggregate. The higher the FM, the coarser the aggregate. Values of 2.40 to 3.00 are
common for FA in PCC.
The sum of the cumulative percentages retained on specified sieves 150 mm (6”), 75 mm
(3”), 37.5 mm (11/2), 19.0 mm (3/4), 9.5 mm (3/8), 4.75 mm (No.4), 2.36 mm (No.8),
1.18 mm (No.16), 0.60 mm (No.30), 0.30 mm (No.50), and 0.15 mm (No.100) divided by
100 gives the FM.
Sample Calculation
Example A Example B
Percent Percent
Retained Retained
Sieve Size On Spec’d On Spec’d
mm (in) Passing Sieves* Passing Sieves*
75*(3) 100 0 0 100 0 0
63(21/2) 100 0 -- 100 0 --
50(2) 100 0 -- 100 0 --
37.5*(11/2) 100 0 0 100 0 0
25(1) 53 47 -- 100 0 --
19*(3/4) 15 85 85 100 0 0
12.5(1/2) 0 100 -- 100 0 --
9.5*(3/8) 0 100 100 100 0 0
6.3(1/4) 0 100 -- 100 0 --
4.75*(No.4) 0 100 100 100 0 0
2.36*(No.8) 0 100 100 87 13 13
1.18*(No.16) 0 100 100 69 31 31
0.60*(No.30 0 100 100 44 56 56
0.30*(No.50) 0 100 100 18 82 82
0.15*(100) 0 100 100 4 96 96
∑ = 785 ∑ = 278
FM = 7.85 FM = 2.78
In decreasing size order, each * sieve is one-half the size of the preceding * sieve.
Report
Results shall be reported on standard forms approved for use by the agency. Depending on
the agency, this may include:
• Mass retained on each sieve
• Percent retained on each sieve
• Cumulative mass retained on each sieve
• Cumulative percent retained on each sieve
• Percent passing each sieve to the nearest 1 percent except for the percent passing the
75 µm (No. 200) sieve, which shall be reported to the nearest 0.1 percent
• FM to the nearest 0.01
Record the symbols “P” for passing or “F” for failing on each step of the checklist.
OVER
Record the symbols “P” for passing or “F” for failing on each step of the checklist.
OVER
Record the symbols “P” for passing or “F” for failing on each step of the checklist.
OVER
21. Mass of residue on each sieve and in pan determined to nearest 0.1 g? _____ _____
22.Total mass of material after sieving agrees with mass after washing
to within 0.3 percent? _____ _____
23. Calculations performed and results reported properly? _____ _____
24. Percentage calculations based on original dry sample mass? _____ _____