FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

PASIR GUDANG LABORATORY MANUAL

COURSE CIVIL ENGINEERING MATERIALS

COURSE CODE ECS 256

LEVEL OF OPENNESS 0

CATEGORY TRADITIONAL

DEGREE OF OPEN-ENDED (%) 0

PERIOD OF ACTIVITY 1 WEEK (WEEK 1)

TITLE FINENESS MODULUS AND PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION OF AGGREGATES

1.1 Introduction
The traditional methods of conducting laboratory activities will not be able to
provide the avenue for students to enhance independent learning activities and
inculcate creativity and innovation. Level 0 is fully prescriptive where problem,
ways & means and answers are provided to the students. However it is still
necessary especially to first and second year students.

Particle size distribution is a grading of granular materials various sizes, expressed

in terms of cumulative percentages larger or smaller than each of the series of
sizes of sieve opening as according to BS 410:1986.

PREAMBLE Fineness modulus is a numerical index of fineness that gives some idea about the
mean size of particles in the entire body of concrete.
1.2 Objectives
To determine the particle size distribution and fineness modulus of fine and
coarse aggregates.

1.3 Learning Outcomes

At the end of the week, students should be able to:
1. Conduct the particle distribution test for both coarse and fine aggregates then
tabulate data in tables.
2. Determine the fineness modulus from the sieving test for both coarse and fine
aggregates.
2.1 Problem Statement
Students are required to weigh the aggregates for certain amount and conduct
PROBLEM STATEMENT
the sieving test. These amounts are specified as 5 kg for coarse aggregate and 1kg
for fine aggregate.
3.1 Procedure:
a. Coarse aggregate
WAYS & MEANS 1. The mass of bulk sample are thoroughly mixed and then pass it through the
riffle box. Retain one portion; and pass it through again and repeat the
process so as to reduce the original mass to the required mass.

©FKA, UiTM, PASIR GUDANG 1 NOV. 2014

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
PASIR GUDANG LABORATORY MANUAL

2. Place the thoroughly mix sample from the riffle box to a clean, flat and hard
surface e.g. metal tray and distribute it evenly. Then quarter the flattened
heap.
3. Take 5kg of coarse aggregate from the quartering
4. Sieve the sample of coarse aggregate in order of sieve as in Table 1.4
5. Either by hand or using mechanical sieve shaker, shake it for a period not
less than 2 minutes.
6. Weigh the material retained on each sieve taken in order
7. Tabulate the results and calculate the Fineness Modulus
8. Draw grading curve and compare with the limit given in Table and Table 3 of
BS 882 : Part 201 : 1973

b. Fine aggregate
1. Take1 kg of sand from the bulk sample of the quartering.
2. Arrange the sieves in order of sieves size as in Table 1.4. Fix them on the
sieve shaking machine with the pan at the bottom and cover at the top.
3. Place the sand sample on the top sieve and shake the sieve for 10minutes.
4. Weight the material retained on each sieve taken in order.
5. Tabulate the results and calculate the Fineness Modulus.
6. Draw grading curve and compare with the limit given for zone 2 of fine
aggregate as in BS 882 : Part 201: 1973.

3.2 Apparatus
Sample divides (metal tray for use in quartering), test sieves and nesting guard
size (BS 410), sieve shaker, weighing machine.

3.3 Data Acquisition

Test data to be recorded in the tables as given in Appendix 1.3

4.1 Analysis
1. Data tabulated in tables representing for each sieve size passing by the
aggregates.
2. Sieving test for each coarse and fine aggregate should be tabulated in
separate tables.
RESULTS 3. Fineness modulus represents by the percentage of sample aggregate
retained and dividing the sum by 100.

4.2 Conclusion
1. Relationship of particle-size distribution of aggregate to determine the
fineness modulus to representing the uniformity of particle-size.

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FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
PASIR GUDANG LABORATORY MANUAL

APPENDIX 1.3

Table 1.4: Particular of sieves for sieve analysis (BS 812: Part 103: 1985)

Coarse Aggregate Fine Aggregate

Square hold perforated plate, 450 mm or 300 Wire cloth, 300 mm or 200 mm diameter
mm diameter
mm mm
75.0 3.35
63.0 2.36
50.0 1.70
37.5 1.18
28.0
20.0 μm
14.0 850
10.0 600
6.3 425
5.0 300
212
150
75

Sieving for Aggregates

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FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
PASIR GUDANG LABORATORY MANUAL

PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION AND FINENESS MODULUS OF AGGREGATE.

BS 812: Section 103: 1985

OBSERVATION

a. Coarse aggregate

Weight of coarse aggregate taken: ………….. kg

Sieve size Weight retained Percentage Cumulative Cumulative

(kg) retained (%) percentage percentage retained
passing (%) (%)
75.0 mm
63.0 mm
50.0 mm
37.5 mm
28.0 mm
20.0 mm
14.0 mm
10.0 mm
6.3 mm
5.0 mm
Pan
Total = Total=
Fineness Modulus=

b. Fine aggregate

Weight of fine aggregate taken: …………kg

Sieve size Weight retained Percentage Cumulative Cumulative

(kg) retained (%) percentage percentage retained
passing (%) (%)
2.36 mm
1.18 mm
600 μm
300 μm
150 μm
63 μm
Pan
Total = Total=
Fineness Modulus=

©FKA, UiTM, PASIR GUDANG 4 NOV. 2014

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
PASIR GUDANG LABORATORY MANUAL

©FKA, UiTM, PASIR GUDANG 5 NOV. 2014