2 Sieve Grading

AGGREGATE WAQTC AASHTO T 27/T 11
T27_T11_short Aggregate 4-1 October 2011

SIEVE ANALYSIS OF FINE AND COARSE AGGREGATES
FOP FOR AASHTO T 27 (11)

MATERIALS FINER THAN 75 m (No. 200) SIEVE IN MINERAL AGGREGATE
BY WASHING
FOP FOR AASHTO T 11 (11)

Scope

Sieve analysis determines the gradation or distribution of aggregate particle sizes within a
given sample.

Accurate determination of material smaller than 75 m (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.

This FOP covers sieve analysis in accordance with AASHTO T 27 and materials finer than
75 m (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, and 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. As established by the Time Evaluation.

Time Evaluation

The sieving time for each mechanical sieve shaker shall be checked at least annually to
determine the time required for complete separation of the sample by the following method:

1. Shake the sample over nested sieves for approximately 10 minutes.

2. Provide a snug-fitting pan and cover for each sieve, and hold in a slightly inclined
position in one hand.

3. Hand-shake each sieve by striking 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.

If more than 0.5 percent by mass of the total sample prior to sieving passes any sieve after
one minute of continuous hand sieving adjust shaker time and re-check.

In determining sieving time for sieve sizes larger than 4.75 mm (No. 4), limit the material on
the sieve to a single layer of particles.

Overload Determination

For sieves with openings smaller than 4.75 mm (No. 4), the mass retained on any
sieve shall not exceed 7 kg/m
2
(4 g/in
2
) 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 (sieve opening in mm) (effective sieving area). See
Table 1.

Additional sieves may be necessary to keep from overloading sieves or to provide other
information, such as fineness modulus. The sample may also be sieved in increments to
prevent overload.

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)

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.

Sieve Size
mm (in.)
203 dia
(8)
305 dia
(12)
305 by 305
(12 12)
350 by 350
(14 14)
372 by 580
(16 24)
Sieving Area m
2

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) 200 470 650 860 1510

TABLE 2
Sample Sizes for Aggregate Gradation Test

Nominal Maximum
Size* mm (in.)
Minimum Dry Mass
g (lb)
4.75 (No. 4) 500 (1)
6.3 (1/4) 1000 (2)
9.5 (3/8) 1000 (2)
12.5 (1/2) 2000 (4)
19.0 (3/4) 5000 (11)
25.0 (1) 10,000 (22)
37.5 (1 1/2) 15,000 (33)
50 (2) 20,000 (44)
63 (2 1/2) 35,000 (77)
75 (3) 60,000 (130)
90 (3 1/2) 100,000 (220)
100 (4) 150,000 (330)
125 (5) 300,000 (660)
*Nominal maximum size: One sieve larger than the first sieve to retain more than 10 percent of the
material using an agency specified set of sieves based on cumulative percent retained. Where large
gaps between specification sieves exist, intermediate sieve(s) may be inserted to determine nominal
maximum size.

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 75m (No. 200) sieve
Determine dry mass of washed sample
Sieve material

Method B
Sieve coarse material
Determine dry mass of fine material
Reduce fine portion
Determine mass of reduced portion
Sieve fine portion

Method C
Sieve coarse material
Determine mass of fine material
Reduce fine portion
Determine mass of reduced portion
Sieve reduced 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 m (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 m (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 m (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 m
(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 avoid
degradation of 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, return material retained to the washed sample.

9. Rinse the material retained on the 75 m (No.200) sieve until water passing through
the sieve is reasonably clear.

10. Return all material retained on the 75 m (No.200) sieve to the container by flushing
into the washed sample.
Note 2: Excess water may be carefully removed with a bulb syringe as long as the removed water is
discharged back over the No. 200 sieve to preclude loss of fines.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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 3: Excessive shaking (more than 10 minutes) may result in degradation of the sample.

14. 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 full openings of the
sieve are cleaned out and included in the mass retained.
Note 4: For sieves #4 and larger, material trapped in less than a full opening shall be checked by
sieving over a full opening. Use coarse wire brushes to clean the 600 m (No. 30) and larger sieves,
and soft bristle brushes for smaller sieves.

15. In the case of coarse / fine aggregate mixtures, the minus 4.75 mm (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.

Calculate the total percentages passing, individual or cumulative percentages retained, or
percentages in various size fractions to the nearest 0.1 percent by dividing the masses for
Method A, or adjusted masses for methods B and C, on the individual sieve masses or
cumulative sieve masses by the total mass of the initial dry sample. If the same test sample
was first tested by T 11, use the total dry sample mass prior to washing in T 11 as the basis
for calculating all percentages. Report percent passing as indicated in the Report section at
the end of this FOP.

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

IPR
IHR
H
1uu or CPR =
CHR
H
1uu

Percent Passing (Calculated):
Where:
PP= Percent Passing
PPP= Previous Percent Passing

PP = PPP - IPR or PP = 1uu - CPR

Method A Sample Calculation

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 m (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 75m (No. 200) minus: 4911.3 g
Amount of 75m (No. 200) minus washed out: 5168.7 g 4911.3 g = 257.4 g

Gradation on All Sieves

Sieve Size
mm (in.)

Individual
Mass
Retained, g
(IMR)

Individual
Percent
Retained
(IPR)

Cumulative
Mass
Retained, g
(CMR)

Cumulative
Percent
Retained
(CPR)

Calcd
Percent
Passing
(CPP)

Reported
Percent
Passing*
(RPP)
19.0 (3/4) 0 0 0 0.0 100.0 100
12.5 (1/2) 724.7 14.0 724.7 14.0 86.0 86
9.5 (3/8) 619.2 12.0 1343.9 26.0 74.0 74
4.75 (No. 4) 1189.8 23.0 2533.7 49.0 51.0 51
2.36 (No. 8) 877.6 17.0 3411.3 66.0 34.0 34
1.18 (No. 16) 574.8 11.1 3986.1 77.1 22.9 23
0.600 (No. 30) 329.8 6.4 4315.9 83.5 16.5 16
0.300 (No. 50) 228.5 4.4 4544.4 87.9 12.1 12
0.150 (No. 100) 205.7 4.0 4750.1 91.9 8.1 8
0.075(No. 200) 135.4 2.6 4885.5 94.5 5.5 5.5
Pan 20.4 4905.9
*Report 75 m (No. 200) sieve to 0.1 percent. Report all others to 1 percent.

Check sum: [(4911.3 -4905.9) / 4911.3] 100 = 0.11 % is within the 0.3 percent
requirement.

Percent Retained:

9.5 mm (3/8) sieve:

619.2
S168.7
1uu = 12.u% or
1S4S.9
S168.7
1uu = 26.u%

Percent Passing (Calculated):

9.5 mm (3/8) sieve:

86.u - 12.u = 74.u% or 1uu 26.u = 74.u%

Procedure Method B

1. Perform steps 1 through 11 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).

4. Determine the individual or cumulative mass retained on each sieve to the nearest 0.1
percent or 0.1 g. Ensure that all particles trapped in full openings of the sieve are
cleaned out and included in the mass retained.
Note 4: For sieves #4 and larger, material trapped in less than a full opening shall be checked by
sieving over a full opening .Use coarse wire brushes to clean the 600 m (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)] (M
1
).

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 (M
2
).

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 m (No. 200)
with a pan at the bottom to retain the minus 75m (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.

IHR =
H
1
H
2

B

where:
IMR = adjusted individual mass retained of the size increment on a total
sample basis
M
1
= mass of minus 4.75mm (No. 4) sieve in total sample
M
2
= 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:

CHR = _
H
1
H
2
B] +
where:
CMR = Total cumulative mass retained of the size increment based on a total
sample
M
1
= mass of minus 4.75mm (No. 4) sieve in total sample
M
2
= 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

Method B Sample Calculation

Sample calculation for percent retained and percent passing each sieve in accordance with
Method B when the previously washed 4.75mm (No. 4) minus material is split:

Example:

Dry mass of sample, after washing out the 75 m (No. 200) minus: 3085.1 g
Amount of 75 m (No. 200) minus washed out: 3214.0 g 3085.1 g = 128.9 g

Gradation on Coarse Sieves
Sieve
Size
mm (in.)
Individual
Mass
Retained, g
(IMR)
Individual
Percent
Retained
(IPR)
Cumulative
Mass
Retained, g
(CMR)
Cumulative
Percent
Retained
(CPR)
Calculated
Percent
Passing
(CPP)
16.0 (5/8) 0 0 0 0 100
12.5 (1/2) 161.1 5.0 161.1 5.0 95.0
9.50 (3/8) 481.4 15.0 642.5 20.0 80.0
4.75 (No. 4) 475.8 14.8 1118.3 34.8 65.2
Pan 1966.7 (M
1
) 3085.0

Coarse check sum: [(3085.1 -3085.0) / 3085.1] 100 = 0.00 % is within the 0.3 percent
requirement.
Note 5: The pan mass determined in the laboratory (M
1
) and the calculated mass (3085.1 1118.3 =
1966.7) 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 M
2
.

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
M
1
/M
2
. The factor determined from M
1
/M
2
must be carried to three decimal places. Both
the individual mass retained and cumulative mass retained formulas are shown.

Individual Mass Retained:

M
1
= total mass of the minus 4.75mm (No. 4) before reducing.
M
2
= mass before sieving from the reduced portion of the minus 4.75 mm (No. 4).

H
1
H
2
=
1,966 g
S12.8 g
= S.8SS

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:

3.835 207.1 g = 794.2 g, as shown in the following table:

Final Gradation on All Sieves
Calculation by Individual Mass

Sieve Size
mm (in.)
Individual
Mass Retained,
g
(IMR)
Adjusted
Individual
Mass Retained
(AIMR)
Individual
Percent
Retained
(IPR)
Calcd
Percent
Passing
(CPP)
Reported
Percent
Passing*
(RPP)
16.0 (5/8) 0 0 0.0 100.0 100
12.5 (1/2) 161.1 161.1 5.0 95.0 95
9.5 (3/8) 481.4 481.4 15.0 80.0 80
4.75 (No. 4) 475.8 475.8 14.8 65.2 65
2.0 (No. 10) 207.1 3.835 794.2 24.7 40.5 40
0.425 (No. 40) 187.9 3.835 720.6 22.4 18.1 18
0.210 (No. 80) 59.9 3.835 229.7 7.1 11.0 11
0.075 (No. 200) 49.1 3.835 188.3 5.9 5.1 5.1
Pan 7.8 3.835 29.9

Fine check sum: [(512.8-511.8) / 512.8] 100 = 0.2% is within the 0.3 percent requirement.

For Percent Passing (Calculated) see Calculation under Method A.

Cumulative Mass Retained:

M
1
= mass of the minus 4.75 mm (No. 4) before split
M
2
= mass before sieving of the split of the minus 4.75 mm (No. 4)

H
1
H
2
=
1,966 g
S12.8 g
= S.8SS

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:

S.8SS S9S.u g = 1S14.8 g

1514.8 + 1118.3 g = 2633.1: Total Cumulative Mass Retained as shown in the following
table:

Calculation by Cumulative Mass

Sieve Size
mm (in.)
Cumulative
Mass
Retained, g
(CMR)
Adjusted
Cumulative
Mass
Retained, g
(ACMR)
Total
Cumulati
ve
Mass
Retnd., g
(TCMR)

Cumulati
ve
Percent
Retnd.
(CPR)

Calcd
Percent
Passing
(CPP)

Reported
Percent
Passing*
(RPP)
16.0 (5/8) 0 0 0.0 100.0 100
12.5 (1/2) 161.1 161.1 5.0 95.0 95
9.5 (3/8) 642.5 642.5 20.0 80.0 80
4.75 (No. 4) 1118.3 1118.3 34.8 65.2 65
2.0 (No. 10) 207.1 3.835 794.2 + 1118.3 1912.5 59.5 40.5 40
0.425 (No. 40) 395.0 3.835 1514.8 + 1118.3 2633.1 81.9 18.1 18
0.210 (No. 80) 454.9 3.835 1744.5 + 1118.3 2862.8 89.1 10.9 11
0.075(No. 200) 504.0 3.835 1932.8 + 1118.3 3051.1 94.9 5.1 5.1
Pan 511.8 3.835 1962.8 + 1118.3 3081.1

Fine check sum: [(512.8-511.8) / 512.8] 100 = 0.2% is within the 0.3 percent requirement.

For Percent Passing (Calculated) see Calculation under Method A.

Procedure Method C

1. Dry sample in accordance with the FOP for AASHTO T 255. Determine and record the
total dry mass of the sample to the nearest 0.1 percent.
Note 6: 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).

5. Determine the cumulative mass retained on each sieve to the nearest 0.1 percent or 0.1 g.
Ensure that all material trapped in full openings of the sieve are cleaned out and included
in the mass retained.
Note 4: For sieves #4 and larger, material trapped in less than a full opening shall be checked by sieving
over a full opening. Use coarse wire brushes to clean the 600 m (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)] (M
1
).

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 (M
-#4
).

9. Perform steps 3 through 11 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 75m (No. 200) with a pan at the
bottom to retain the minus 75 m (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.

12. Compute the Cumulative Percent Retained and Cumulative Percent Passing as
follows:

CPR =
CPR
H
1uu CPP = 1uu -CPR
where:

CMR = Cumulative Mass Retained
CPR= Cumulative Percent Retained
M= Total Dry Sample mass before washing
CPP= Cumulative Percent Passing

Method C Sample Calculation

Sample calculation for percent retained and percent passing each sieve in accordance with
Method C when the minus 4.75mm (No. 4) material is reduced and then washed:

Dry Mass of total sample: 3304.5 g

Dry Mass of minus 4.75mm (No. 4) reduced portion before wash, M
-#4
: 527.6

Dry Mass of minus 4.75mm (No. 4) reduced portion after wash: 495.3

Gradation on Coarse Sieves
Sieve
Size
mm (in.)
Cumulative
Mass
Retained, g
(CMR)
Calcd
Percent
Retained
(CPR)
Calcd
Percent
Passing
(CPP)
Reported
Percent
Passing*
(RPP)
16.0 (5/8) 0 0.0 100.0 100
12.5 (1/2) 125.9 3.8 96.2 96
9.50 (3/8) 604.1 18.3 81.7 82
4.75 (No. 4) 1295.6 39.2 60.8 61
Pan 2008.9
Total Dry Sample = 3304.5

Coarse check sum: [(3304.5 -3304.5) / 3304.5] 100 = 0.0 % is within the 0.3 percent requirement
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 M
-#4
= 527.6 g.

The Cumulative Mass Retained-
#4
was determined.

CPR
-#4
=
CHR
-#4
H
-#4
1uu CPP
-#4
= 1uu - CPR
-#4
CPP =
(CPP
-#4
CPP
#4
)
1uu

Where:

CMR
-#4
= Cumulative mass retained for the sieve size based on a -#4 split sample
CPR
-#4
= Calculated cumulative percent retained based on the -#4 split
CPP
-#4
= Calculated percent passing based on the -#4 split
M
-#4
= Total mass of the -#4 split before washing
CPP
#4
= Calculated percent passing the #4 sieve

Calculation by Cumulative Mass

Sieve Size
mm (in.)

Cumulative
Mass Retained,
g
(CMR
-#4
)

Cumulative
Percent
Retained
-#4

(CPR
-#4
)

Calcd
Percent
Passing
-#4

(CPP
-#4
)

Calcd
Percent
Passing
(CPP)

Reported
Percent
Passing*
(RPP)
16.0 (5/8) 0 0.0 100.0 100
12.5 (1/2) 125.9 3.8 96.2 96
9.5 (3/8) 604.1 18.3 81.7 82
4.75 (No. 4) 1295.6 39.2 60.8 61
2.0 (No. 10) 194.3 36.8 63.2 38.4 38
0.425 (No. 40) 365.6 69.3 30.7 18.7 19
0.210 (No. 80) 430.8 81.7 18.3 11.1 11
0.075 (No. 200) 484.4 91.8 8.2 5.0 5.0
Pan 495.1
Dry mass (M)

of minus 4.75 mm (No. 4) sample, before washing: 527.6 g
Dry mass of minus 4.75 mm (No. 4) sample, after washing: 495.3 g

*Report 75 m (No. 200) sieve to 0.1 percent. Report all others to 1 percent

Fine check sum: [(495.3 495.1) / 495.3] 100= 0.04% is within the 0.3 percent
requirement.

Also note that for Minus #4 material using this method that:

CPP =
CPP
#4
(H - CHR
#4
)
H

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 in the following table
divided by 100 gives the FM.
Sample Calculation

Example A Example B
Percent Percent
Retained Retained
Sieve Size
mm (in)

Passing
On Specd
Sieves*

Passing
On Specd
Sieves*
75*(3) 100 0 0 100 0 0
37.5*(11/2) 100 0 0 100 0 0
19*(3/4) 15 85 85 100 0 0
9.5*(3/8) 0 100 100 100 0 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 m (No. 200) sieve, which shall be reported to the nearest 0.1 percent

FM to the nearest 0.01



T27_T11_pr1 Method A Aggregate 4-19 October 2011

PERFORMANCE EXAM CHECKLIST
METHOD A
FOP FOR AASHTO T 27
BY WASHING
FOP FOR AASHTO T 11

Participant Name ______________________________ Exam Date ______________

Record the symbols P for passing or F for failing on each step of the checklist.

Procedure Element Trial 1 Trial 2
1. Minimum sample mass meets requirement of Table 2? _____ _____
2. Test sample dried to a constant mass by FOP for AASHTO T 255? _____ _____
3. Test sample cooled and mass determined to nearest 0.1 percent or
0.1 g? _____ _____
4. Sample placed in container and covered with water? (If specification
requires that the amount of material finer than the 75 m (No. 200)
sieve is to be determined.) _____ _____
5. Contents of the container vigorously agitated? _____ _____
6. Complete separation of coarse and fine particles achieved? _____ _____
7. Wash water poured through nested sieves such as 2 mm (No. 10)
and 75 m (No. 200)? _____ _____
8. Operation continued until wash water is clear? _____ _____
9. Material retained on sieves returned to washed sample? _____ _____
10. Washed aggregate dried to a constant mass by FOP for
AASHTO T 255? _____ _____
11. Washed aggregate cooled and mass determined to nearest 0.1 percent
or 0.1 g? _____ _____
12. Sample placed in nest of sieves specified? (Additional sieves may
be used to prevent overloading as allowed in FOP.) _____ _____
13. Material sieved in verified mechanical shaker for proper time? _____ _____
14. Mass of residue on each sieve and pan determined to 0.1 g? _____ _____
15. Total mass of material after sieving agrees with mass before
sieving to within 0.3 percent? _____ _____

OVER

T27_T11_pr1 Method A Aggregate 4-20 October 2011

16. Percentages calculated to the nearest 0.1 percent and reported to
the nearest whole number, except 75 m (No.200) - reported to
the nearest 0.1 percent? _____ _____
17. Percentage calculations based on original dry sample mass? _____ _____
18. Calculations performed properly? _____ _____

Comments: First attempt: Pass Fail Second attempt: Pass Fail

Examiner Signature ____________________________ WAQTC #:_______________

T27_T11_pr1 Method B Aggregate 4-21 October 2011

METHOD B
FOP FOR AASHTO T 27
BY WASHING
FOP FOR AASHTO T 11



3. Test sample cooled and mass determined to nearest 0.1 percent
or 0.1 g? _____ _____
4. Sample placed in container and covered with water? (If specification
requires that the amount of material finer than the 75 m (No. 200)
sieve is to be determined.) _____ _____
7. Wash water poured through nested sieves such as 2 mm (No. 10)
and 75 m (No. 200)? _____ _____
10. Washed aggregate dried to a constant mass by FOP for AASHTO T 255? _____ _____
11. Washed aggregate cooled and mass determined to nearest 0.1 percent
or 0.1 g? _____ _____
14. Mass of residue on each sieve and pan determined to the nearest
0.1 percent or 0.1 g? _____ _____
15 Total mass of material after sieving agrees with mass before

OVER

T27_T11_pr1 Method B Aggregate 4-22 October 2011

16. Material in pan reduced in accordance with FOP for AASHTO T 248
to a minimum sample size of 500 g and weighed to the nearest 0.1 g? _____ _____
19. Mass of residue on each sieve and pan determined to the nearest
percent or 0.1 g? _____ _____
20. Total mass of material after sieving agrees with mass before
21. Percentages calculated to the nearest 0.1 percent and reported to
the nearest whole number, except 75 m (No.200) - reported to
the nearest 0.1 percent? _____ _____
23. Calculations performed properly? _____ _____


T27_T11_pr1 Method C Aggregate 4-23 October 2011

METHOD C
FOP FOR AASHTO T 27
MATERIALS FINER THAN 75 m (No. 200) SIEVE IN MINERAL AGGREGATE BY
WASHING
FOP FOR AASHTO T 11




3. Test sample cooled and mass determined to the nearest 0.1 percent or
0.1 g? _____ _____
4. Sample placed in nest of sieves specified? (Additional sieves may be
used to prevent overloading as allowed in FOP.) _____ _____
6. Mass of residue on each sieve and in pan
determined to the nearest 0.1 percent or 0.1 g? _____ _____
8. Total mass of material after sieving agrees with mass before sieving
to within 0.3 percent? _____ _____
9. Material in pan reduced to test size for washing in accordance with
FOP for AASHTO T 248? _____ _____
10. Mass of the fine aggregate wash sample determined to nearest 0.1 g? _____ _____
11. Sample placed in container and covered with water? _____ _____
14. Wash water poured through a set of nested sieves, such as a No. 10
over the No. 200? _____ _____

OVER
T27_T11_pr1 Method C Aggregate 4-24 October 2011

17. Washed aggregate dried to a constant mass in accordance with
FOP for AASHTO T 255? _____ _____
18. Washed aggregate cooled and mass determined to nearest 0.1 g? _____ _____
19. Sample placed in nest of sieves specified? (Additional sieves may be
used to prevent overloading as allowed in FOP.) _____ _____

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? _____ _____



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AGGREGATE WAQTC AASHTO T 27/T 11

T27_T11_short Aggregate 4-1 October 2011

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