University of New Mexico

Civil Engineering Department

Civil Engineering Materials Laboratory, CE 305L

SIEVE ANALYSIS OF FINE & COARSE AGGREGATES

ASTM C136

Scope

This test method covers the determination of the particle size distribution of fine and coarse aggregates by sieving. A weighed sample of dry aggregate is separated through a series of sieves of progressively smaller openings for determination of particle size distribution.

References

ASTM C117 Materials Finer Than 75- m m (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing

ASTM E11 Specification for Wire Cloth Sieves for Testing Purposes

AASHTO T27 Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates

ASTM C33 Standard Specifications for Concrete Aggregates

ASTM C125 Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates

Definitions

Maximum Size (of aggregate) - in specifications for, or description of aggregate, the smallest sieve opening through which the entire amount of aggregate is required to pass.

Nominal Maximum Size (of aggregate) - in specifications for, or description of aggregate, the smallest sieve opening through which the entire amount of the aggregate is permitted to pass.

Apparatus

Scale (or balance) - 0.1 g accuracy for fine sieve analysis, 0.5 g accuracy for coarse sieve analysis

Sieves

Mechanical Sieve Shaker

Drying Oven (110 +/- 5 °C)

Materials

Fine Aggregate (<No. 4 sieve) - 300 g (oven dried)

Coarse Aggregate (>No. 4 sieve) - 5 kg (oven dried)

Procedure (perform for both fine and coarse aggregates)

Download Procedures for Sieve Analysis

Download the Fine Grain Sieve Analysis form

Download the Coarse Grain Sieve Analysis form

1) Dry sample to constant weight at a temperature of 110 +/- 5 °C (230 +/- 9 °F).

2) Select suitable sieve sizes to obtain the required information as specified. The following sieves are applicable with reference to ASTM C33:

Sieves (for fine grain)

3) Nest the sieves in order of decreasing size of opening from the top to bottom. Place the pan below the bottom sieve. Place the sample on the top sieve. Place lid over top sieve.

4) Agitate the sieves by hand or by mechanical apparatus for a sufficient period such that not more than 1% by weight of the residue on any individual sieve will pass that sieve during 1 minute of additional hand sieving. Ten minutes of original sieving will usually accomplish this criteria.

5) Determine the weight of material retained on each sieve. The total retained weights should closely match the original weight of the sample (within 0.3%).

Calculations

1) Calculate percentages passing and total percentages retained to the nearest 0.1% of the initial dry weight of the sample.

2) Calculate the fineness modulus as follows:

Fine aggregate:

F.M. = { Σ (Cumulative % Retained on # 4, 8, 16, 30, 50, and 100 Sieves)}/100

Coarse aggregate:

F.M. = { Σ (Cumulative % Retained on 1-1/2”, 3/4”, 3/8”, Nos. 4, 8, 16, 30, 50, and 100 Sieves)}/100

Report

1) Total percentage of mate0rial passing each sieve (both tabulated and graphical presentations)

2) Total percentage of material retained on each sieve (tabulated).

3) Report percentages to 0.1%.

4) Report the fineness modulus to the nearest 0.01.

Questions

1) Do these aggregates meet the ASTM specifications (ASTM C33)? Show this by comparing the specifications with your gradations for both the coarse and fine aggregates (compare in tabular form and graphical form).

Sample Data

Data obtained in CE 305 Fall 2003

Data obtained in CE 305 Fall 2003

See section 3.6 for the percentages and graphs of material passing each sieve.

The fineness modulus for the Placitas fine aggregate is 2.67.

The fineness modulus for the Edgewood coarse aggregate is 6.07.

Data obtained in CE 305 Fall 2003

The sieve analysis for coarse aggregate was performed on Edgewood coarse aggregate and the sieve analysis for fine aggregate was performed on Placitas fine aggregate.

From the data gathered about the size distribution of the coarse aggregate, you can see that the percent passing the number four sieve was lower than the specifications. Because of this, the coarse aggregate does not meet ASTM specifications.

By observing the attached graph that displays the sieve analysis for fine aggregate, you can see that the aggregate tested in lab meets the ASTM specifications. You can also see that by the cumulative percent passing and the ASTM requirements columns, all of the numbers fit between the high and low boundaries.

The fineness modulus for the coarse aggregate is 6.07. This value was slightly higher than the other lab sections. This data can be found in the appendix for this lab experiment.