Beatrex June Lademora BSCE-3 Experiment No.

INTRODUCTION

Sieve analysis is a fundamental test for all aggregates, used to determine the

particle size distribution of a given sample. It is also known as the gradation test, and it

is used to ensure that aggregates meet the requirements of design specifications and

production control standards. It is performed by passing a sample of aggregate through

a series of sieves with different opening sizes. The sieves are stacked in order of

decreasing size, with the largest sieve at the top and the smallest sieve at the bottom.

Sieve analysis can be performed on both coarse and fine aggregates. Coarse

aggregates are defined as aggregates that are retained on a 4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve.

Fine aggregates are defined as aggregates that pass through a 4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve

and are retained on a 75 µm (No. 200) sieve.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this experiment is to determine the particle size distribution of

the fine and coarse aggregate by Sieving.

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Beatrex June Lademora BSCE-3 Experiment No. 3

PROCEDURE

The following materials were used in doing the experiment:

1. Quartered Sample Aggregates

2. Set of Sieves

3. Digital Weighing Scale

4. Container

The following procedures were followed in doing the experiment:

1. Weigh the empty container and record the weight.

2. Pour the aggregate sample into the container and weigh the combined

weight of the container and sample. Record this weight.

3. Calculate the initial weight of the aggregate sample by subtracting the

weight of the empty container from the combined weight of the

container and sample.

4. Pour the aggregate sample slowly onto the first sieve (1").

Figure 1. Pouring of sample in the sieves

5. Agitate the sieve by hand for about 3-5 minutes.

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Beatrex June Lademora BSCE-3 Experiment No. 3

Figure 2. Agitating the sieves

6. Weigh the aggregate particles that are retained on the first sieve.

Record this weight.

7. Set aside the retained aggregate particles.

8. Repeat the process with the remaining sieves up to the pan.

Figure 3. Weighing of sample retained in each sieve

9. Summate the weight of the retained aggregate particles on each sieve.

10. Calculate the cumulative percent retained on, and the percent passing

each sieve.

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Beatrex June Lademora BSCE-3 Experiment No. 3

11. Compute the Fineness Modulus (FM) for the sample aggregate.

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Beatrex June Lademora BSCE-3 Experiment No. 3

TEST RESULTS

Initial Weight of Sample = Total Weight – Weight of Container

= 6.90 kg – 0.44 kg

Initial Weight of Sample = 6.46 kg

Sieve Weight Cum. Weight Cum. Percent Percent

No. Retained (kg) Retained (kg) Retained (%) Pasing (%)
1” 2.08 1.64 25.39 74.61
¾” 2.02 3.22 49.85 50.15
½” 1.76 4.54 70.28 29.72
3/8” 0.84 5.94 91.95 8.05
4 0.68 6.18 95.67 4.33
10 0.58 6.32 97.83 2.14
PAN 0.58 6.96 100 0
Table 1. Sieve Data Analysis Sheet

Figure 4. Percent Passing Vs. Sieve Size Graph

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Beatrex June Lademora BSCE-3 Experiment No. 3

DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
Table 1 shows the data recorded and calculated from the experiment. The weight

retained in each sieve was recorded in the second column. The third column shows the

cumulative weight retained in each sieve. The total cumulative weight was the same as

the initial weight of the sample. This means that no sample was wasted. The fourth

column presents the cumulative percent retained. The values in this column were

obtained by dividing each cumulative weight by its total weight and multiplying them by

100.

Percent passing in each sieve is presented in the last column. Cumulative

percent retained in each sieve was subtracted from 100 to determine these values. In

the first sieve (1”), 74.61% of the sample passed through. 50.15% passed through the

¾” sieve, 29.72% through the ½” sieve, 8.05% through the 3/8” sieve, 4.33% through

the sieve no. 4, and 2.14% in the sieve no. 10.

The chart shows the curve obtained by plotting Percent Passing vs. Sieve Size

points. The curve appears to be in a half-bell-shaped form. This indicates that the

sample obtained is well-graded.

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Beatrex June Lademora BSCE-3 Experiment No. 3

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The sieve analysis results indicate that the sample aggregate is well-graded. This

means that it has a wide range of particle sizes, with a large fraction of particles in the

middle of the range. Well-graded aggregates are desirable for many applications, such

as concrete mixes and road construction, because they pack together more tightly and

produce stronger materials.

The sample aggregate is suitable for use in a variety of applications, including

concrete mixes, road construction, and water treatment. However, it is important to note

that the specific requirements for each application may vary. It is therefore

recommended that the sieve analysis results be compared to the relevant design

specifications or production control standards before the aggregate is used.