DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Materials of Construction and Testing

EXPERIMENT 3: SIEVE ANALYSIS OF FINE AND COARSE AGGREGATE

3.1. Program Outcomes (POs) Addressed by the Experiment

b) Ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
d) Ability to function on multidisciplinary teams.

3.2. Experiments Intended Learning Outcomes (EILOs)

At the end of this experiment the student shall be able to:
a) Apply appropriate ASTM/AASHTO standards in sieve analysis of aggregate.
b) Calculate the fineness modulus of fine aggregates.
c) Identify the application of particle size distribution of coarse and fine aggregates
particularly in concrete mix design.

3.3. Objectives of the Experiment

The objective of this experiment is to determine the particle size distribution of coarse
and fine aggregates by sieving

3.4. Principle of the Experiment

This test method is used primarily to determine the grading of materials proposed for use
as aggregates or being used as aggregates. The results are used to determine compliance
of the particle size distribution with applicable specification requirements and to provide
necessary data for control of the production of various aggregate products and mixtures
containing aggregates. The data may also be useful in developing relationships
concerning porosity and packing.

Fineness Modulus (FM) is used in determining the degree of uniformity of the

aggregate gradation. It is an empirical number relating to the fineness of the
aggregate. The higher the FM is, the coarser the aggregate is.

= ( + ) ( )

= 100

= % + %

= 100% %
 ( )
=
100

Note: Do not include the mass (weight) of the container used in the computation.

3.5. Materials / Equipment

Balance
Sieve
Mechanical Sieve Shaker
Source of Heat (Oven / Stove)
Container
Scoop / Hand Shovel
Source of Heat (stove / oven)
Container (enough to hold the specimens)
Scoop/Shovel
Gloves
Labelling Devices

3.6. Procedure
1. Take a representative of oven dried sample of coarse and fine aggregates (preferably
samples used in the previous experiment, Moisture Content of Fine and Coarse
Aggregate.
2. Weigh the mass of coarse and fine aggregates separately.
3. Weigh the mass of each sieve including the pan (making sure sieves are clean and
free from any other particles).
4. Prepare a stack of sieve where sieves having larger openings (with lower numbers)
placed above sieves with smaller openings. The bottommost part should be a pan to
collect portions of aggregates passing the 3/8 and #100 for coarse and fine
aggregates respectively.
5. Pour the coarse (fine) aggregates into the stack of sieve and cover it. Put the stack of
sieve in the mechanical sieve shaker (making sure clamps are tightly screwed) and
get the shaker going for about 10 minutes.
6. Turn off the sieve shaker and record the mass (weight) of each sieve + aggregates
including those on the pan.
7. Calculate the mass (weight) retained, cumulative mass (weight) retained, percentage
retained, cumulative percentage retained and the percent passing.
Note: The total mass of the coarse (fine) aggregates after sieving should be check closely
with the original mass (weight) of the sample placed on the sieve. If the amounts differ by
more than 0.3% based on the original dry mass sample, the result should not be used for
acceptance purposes

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3.7. Activity Report
Course: Experiment No.:
Group No.: Section:
Group Members: Date Performed:
Date Submitted:
Instructor:

3.8. Data and Results

Table 1: Coarse Aggregates

Sieve Weight of Weight of Weight Percentage Cumulative Percent

Size Sieve Sieve + Retained Retained Percentage Passing
Aggregates Retained
(grams) (grams) (grams) (%) (%) (%)
2
1
1

3/8
Pan
Total

Note: Maximum Size Aggregates is the size of sieve next above the largest sieve that has 15% of the sample
coarser than it (cumulative percentage retained)

Table 2: Fine Aggregates

Sieve Weight of Weight of Weight Percentage Cumulative Percent

Size Sieve Sieve + Retained Retained Percentage Passing
Aggregates Retained
(grams) (grams) (grams) (%) (%) (%)
3/8
#4
#8
#16
#30
#50
#100
Pan
Total

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3.1. Calculation

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3.2. Observation

3.3. Conclusion/s

3.4. Rating

3.5. References

ASTM C136. (1996). Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates.
West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International.

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