Problem Solving

1. Using the following data, determine the percentage retained, cumulative percentage
retained, and percentage passing for each sieve. Round off values to whole numbers.
(20 pts)

Sieve Size Weight Retained Percent Retained Cumulative Percent Passing

(in.) (g) Percent Retained
3 736 15 15 85
2 984 19 34 66
1½ 1642 32 66 39
¾ 1030 20 86 14
3/8 625 12 98 2
Pan 96 2 2 0

2. From the previous problem, determine the maximum size of aggregate. (5 pts)
3
3. From the previous problem, determine the fineness modulus. (5 pts)
2.99
4. A sample of coarse aggregate weighs 1070 g when oven dry, 1090 g, when saturated
surface dry, and 670 g when submerged. Calculate the bulk specific gravity, apparent
specific gravity, and absorption. (10 pts)
Bulk SG: 2.55 Apparent SG:2.68 % Absorption: 1.87%
5. A sample of fine aggregate weighs 490 g when oven dry and 501 g when saturated
surface dry. The flask weighs 541 g when filled with water and 842 g when filled
with the aggregate sample and water. Calculate the bulk specific gravity, apparent
specific gravity, and percent absorption. (10 pts)
Bulk SG: 2.45 Apparent SG:2.59 %Absorption:2.24%
6. Calculate the solid volume and percent of voids of an aggregate that has a density of
1580 kg/m3 and a specific gravity of 2.60. (10 pts)
SV: 0.61m^2 % of Void: 39%
7. Calculate the dry unit weight (γd) if an aggregate weighs 47.72 lb, has a moisture
content of 7.2 percent, and occupies a volume of 0.50 cu ft. (15 pts)
89.03lbs/ft^3
8. A column load (force) of 42 kips acts on a 3 ft x 4 ft spread footing. Calculate the
pressure on the soil if the depth of aggregate base is 10 in., and determine what depth
of base is needed to reduce the pressure on the soil to 1.0 kip per sq.ft. Assume angle
θ is 45°. What is the maximum pressure on the aggregate? (15 pts)
P: 97.4lbs/ft^2 Pmax:3500lbs/ft^2
9. Calculate the compacted cubic meters per hour, if a compactor with a 1.30-meter
drum travels at an average speed of 6.0 km/hr over a 175-mm-thick fill, and test strip
data indicate that four passes will be required to meet specification requirements. (10
pts)