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MIRANDA, Adam Jon Feliz C. Group No. 5

CE152P-2 - A72 January 26, 2024

Experiment No. 9

SIEVE ANALYSIS OF AGGREGATES

I. INTRODUCTION

The fineness modulus is a numerical representation of the particle size distribution

of fine aggregates used in construction materials such as concrete. This is to provide
a single value that describes the fineness or coarseness of an aggregate, representing
its mean size of particles. Its significance lies in its pivotal role within construction,
influencing the workability, strength, and durability of concrete mixes. A low fineness
modulus indicates a finer particle size distribution, often associated with smoother
and more workable concrete, while a higher value suggests a coarser distribution that
may improve strength but can affect workability. By gauging the fineness modulus of
an aggregate, engineers can make informed decisions about aggregate selection and
proportioning, ensuring that the resulting concrete meets the desired performance
criteria for specific construction applications.

The primary focus of this laboratory experiment is determining the fineness

modulus of a given aggregate sample through sieve analysis. The class discussion
prior to the experimental procedures served as the starting point, wherein it was
indicated that the standard fineness modulus of fine aggregates should not be more
than 3 and according to the ASTM C33 standards, the fineness modulus of a fine
aggregate "should be not less than 2.3 nor more than 3.1." Fineness modulus of
aggregates is influenced by multiple factors, including source of aggregate, crushing
and screening process, and moisture content (Mishra, 2022).

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 II. MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

The lists of the materials and equipment used in the experiment are as follows:

Apparatus:

➢ Set of Sieves (From Sieve #3/8 to Sieve #200)

➢ Sampling spoon

➢ Mixing Bowls (2)

➢ Weighing Scale

➢ Mechanical Sieve Shaker

Materials:

➢ Sand

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 The main apparatus and materials utilized in this experiment, especially the set of

sieves and sand all adhere to the ASTM C33: Standard Specification for Concrete

Aggregates and ASTM C136: Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and

Coarse Aggregates.

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III. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

In this experiment of determining the fineness modulus of fine aggregates through

mechanical sieve analysis, the group followed a meticulous procedure that assures

accurate and credible results. The experiment was conducted with the proper

guidance from our professor and is in line with the ASTM C136 standard test methods.

The processes done by the group are divided as follows:

Preparation of Aggregate Sample

➢ By using a dry mixing bowl, 1000 grams of sand must be obtained and

measured for the experiment.

Sieve Tare Weight Determination

➢ Weigh each empty sieve, including the empty pan.

➢ Record each tare weight for latter computations

Figure 3.1: Weighing of Sieve #4

Sieving Process

➢ Stack the sieves from sieve #3/8 to sieve #200 and include the pan at the very

bottom.

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 ➢ Pour the 1000 grams of fine aggregate sample (sand) into the top sieve.

➢ Load and secure the set of sieves in the mechanical sieve shaker and shake for

5 minutes.

Figure 3.2: Set of Sieves from #3/8 to #200

Mass Retained Determination

➢ After sieving, weight each sieve with the retained sand in them.

➢ Subtract the result obtained with the sieves' corresponding tare weights

➢ Record each retained weight of aggregate sample in each sieve

Figure 3.3: Weighing of sieve

#8 with retained aggregates

Obtaining the Fineness Modulus

➢ Add the cumulative percent retained from sieve #3/8 to sieve #100 only

➢ Divide the sum to 100 as per the given formula during the class lecture and

ASTM C136 specifications.

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RESULTS

FINE AGGREGATES: SAND

SIEVE # Wt. Cum. % Cum. % Cum. % Passing Remarks

Retained (g) Retained Passing Specifications

3/8 0g 0% 100 % 100 MS

4 0g 0% 100 % 95-100 MS

8 57.75 g 5.79 % 94.21 % - -

16 198.95 g 25.67 % 74.24 % 45-80 MS

30 268.03 g 52.65 % 47.35 % - -

50 311.53 g 83.91 % 16.09 % 10-30 MS

100 143.83 g 98.35 % 1.65 % 2-10 NMS

200 15.67 g 99.92 % 0.08 % - -

PAN 0.81 g 100 % 0% - -

TOTAL 996.57 g Fineness Modulus 2.6645

MS – Met Standards
NMS – Not Met Standards

Table 3.1: Experiment 9 Observation and Data Sheet

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IV. DISCUSSION AND INTERPRETATION

In this experiment to determine the fineness modulus of fine aggregates through

mechanical sieve analysis, only one trial was conducted. This allowed the group to

reveal and obtain insightful information that puts theories learned from the class in

real life scenarios.

The results obtained from the sieve analysis test showed that the 1000-gram

sample of sand is mostly composed of smaller and finer particle sizes. It can also be

observed that there is a moderate progression in distribution between sieves or sizes.

The data on cumulative percent retained showed a significant increase in cumulative

percent retained between the #30 and #50 sieves. The data indicates that over 83%

of the material was retained between the #3/8 and #50 sieves, and 98% between the

#3/8 and #100 sieves. This finding suggests that a significant portion of the sample

is composed of particles that fall into the fine sand category, specifically between 0.3

and 0.15 mm (The Constructor, 2016).

With the Fineness Modulus of the sample aggregate at 2.6645, it can be said that

the sample aggregates passed the specified standards of the fineness modulus of fine

aggregates both from the class lecture and from the ASTM C33 which were: "The

Fineness Modulus of fine aggregates should not exceed 3." and "The Fineness

Modulus of fine aggregates should be not less than 2.3 nor more than 3.1.",

respectively.

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 V. CONCLUSION

In conclusion to this, the experiment successfully attained its objective by

obtaining the fineness modulus of fine aggregates through sieve analysis test. The

passing of the fine aggregate sample's fineness modulus to specified standards raises

significant conclusions essential when making informed decisions during material

selection, mix design, and construction processes.

The sample was mechanically sieved via a stack of sieves in accordance with

ASTM C136, which successfully accomplished the experiment's primary objective. The

aggregate sample's fineness modulus of 2.6645 indicates that its main components

are fine sand particles, according to the results. Also, to mention, a large proportion

of the fine sample aggregates were retained on the smaller sieve sizes. This indicates

that the aggregates are suitable for enhancing cohesion by filling up spaces between

coarser particles.

In essence, fineness modulus or aggregate gradation is a fundamental aspect of

concrete technology that provides civil engineers with the necessary information to

design and produce concrete mixes tailored to specific project requirements. It plays

a central role in achieving the desired properties of fresh and hardened concrete,

influencing aspects ranging from workability to strength and durability.

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VI. RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the group's experimental findings, The following recommendation is

detailed below to enhance and improve the accuracy and efficiency of the

experimental procedures to achieve remarkable results and a better understanding.

➢ A Larger Mechanical Sieving Machine: Due to the Mechanical Sieve

Shaker's limited capacity it was not suited to support the whole set of sieves

from sieve #3/8 to sieve #200, with this sieves #3/8, #4, and #8 were

manually sieved. Although there were no aggregates retained in sieve #3/8

and sieve #4, it is still optimal to use a mechanical sieve share for a more

uniform process.

➢ Increase the Sieve Shaking durations: Increasing the duration of the

shaking process by 5 to 10 more minutes can ensure better separation of

finer particle sizes, hence providing a more accurate result.

➢ Reduce the aggregate sample: This can prevent overloading on the sieves'

capacity. However, the sample should still meet the minimum standards

from ASTM C136 of 300 grams.

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VII. REFERENCES

❖ ASTM C33

❖ ASTM C136

❖ Mishra, A. K. (2022). Effect of Fine Aggregate Sources on Compressive

Strength of Cement Concrete. Journal of Advanced Research in Construction

and Urban Architecture, 7(1&2), 9–17.

https://doi.org/10.24321/2456.9925.202201

❖ The Constructor. (2016, July 31). What is Fineness Modulus of Sand (Fine

Aggregate) and Calculation. The Constructor.

https://theconstructor.org/practical-guide/fineness-modulus-of-sand-

calculation/12465/

❖ (2024, January 16 & 23). Test of Aggregates Class Lecture

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