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CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING

LABORATORY #1

LABORATORY INSTRUCTIONS AND DATA SHEET FOR GROUP #______, SECTION:________

Laboratory Instruction for ASTM C136 - Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse
Aggregates

*use separate data sheet for Coarse and Fine Aggregates

Required Apparatus and Equipment

A set of U.S. standard sieves, meeting the requirements of Specification E11

Mechanical sieve shaker
Balance, accurate to 0.1% of the sample weight
Containers for catching and holding materials
Spatula or brush for cleaning sieves
Oven for drying sample (if required)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): gloves, safety glass

Procedure

Sample Preparation

1. Sample must undergo ASTM C702

2. Sample Drying: If the sample is not in a free-flowing condition, dry it in an oven set at a
temperature of 110 ± 5°C (230 ± 9°F) to constant mass.
3. Cooling: If oven-dried, allow the sample to cool to room temperature before testing.
4. Sample Mass: Weigh the prepared sample to the nearest gram, following the recommendations
in ASTM C136 regarding minimum sample mass based on aggregate size.
5. Sieve Analysis

Sieve Analysis

1. Sieve Nesting: Nest the sieves in descending order with the largest opening size at the top and
the smallest at the bottom, ending with the pan at the very bottom.
2. Sample Loading: Pour the prepared sample onto the top sieve.
3. Sieve Shaking: Place the nested sieves into the mechanical sieve shaker and shake for a
predetermined period as per ASTM C136 or until no significant change in mass is observed for
successive 1-minute shaking intervals.
4. Weighing Retained Aggregates: After shaking, carefully remove each sieve. Weigh and record the
mass of the material retained on each sieve to the nearest gram.
5. Calculations: Calculate the percentage of material retained on each sieve, as well as the
cumulative percentage passing, according to the formulas provided in ASTM C136.
Results
Sieve Size Mass Retained (g) % Retained % Cumulative Passing

Pan

Total

Documentation
1. Record the mass of the original sample.
2. Record the mass of the sample retained on each sieve and the pan.
3. Record the date, time, and group names.
4. Complete any additional documentation required by your specific testing facility.
ASTM C702

Quartering Method
1. Mixing: Thoroughly mix the sample on a clean, flat, non-absorbent surface.
2. Forming a Cone: Use a shovel or scoop to form the aggregate sample into a cone shape.
3. Flattening: Flatten the cone to form a circle of material.
4. Quartering: Divide the flattened circle into four equal quarters using a shovel or spatula.
5. Selection: Take two opposing quarters for your test sample.
6. Repeat: If the test sample is still too large, repeat the quartering process.