CE-351 CONSTRUCTION

MATERIALS AND
TESTING
(LABORATORY
REPORT)
Laboratory Report 3
SIEVE ANALYSIS OF COARSE AND FINE
AGGRREGATE

NAVARRA, JENNIE BABE D.

BORJA, MAXENE SIGRID T.
PETALLO, JUSTINE S.

BSCE-3B

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTTRODUCTION_____________________________________________________3

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM________________________________________4

PROCEDURE_________________________________________________________5

DATA GATHERED____________________________________________________6

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS____________________________________________8

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS______________________________8

REFERENCES________________________________________________________8

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I. Introduction

Sieve analysis determines the gradation or distribution of aggregate particle sizes within a
given sample. The sieve analysis is used to determine the particle size distribution or gradation of an
aggregate. A suitable gradation of an aggregate in a concrete mix is desirable in order to secure
workability of concrete mix and economy in the use of cement. For asphalt concrete, suitable
gradation will not only affect the workability of the mixture and economy in the use of asphalt, but
will affect significantly the strength and other important properties.

U.S Standard Sieve Size Clear Opening (in.)

No. 100 0.0059
No. 50 0.0117
No.30 0.0232
No. 16 0.0469
No. 8 0.0937
No. 4 0.187
3/8” 0.375
1
“ (half size) 0.500
2
3
” 0.750
4
1 in. (half size) 1.000
1
1 in 1.500
2

Sometimes closer sizing than is given by the standard series is desired, in which case “half”
size or “odd” sizes are employed; the ½ in. and 1 in. shown are half size.Coarse aggregate is usually
considered to be larger and fine aggregates smaller than #4 sieves. Thus all sieves need not to be used
physically in the nest but are still considered in the analysis. For example, sieve larger than 3/8 in. is
not used for the sand and sieve smaller than No. 8 are seldom used for gravel.

The fineness modulus is an index number, which is roughly proportional to the average size
of these particles in a given aggregate. It is computed by adding the cumulative percentages coarser
than each of certain sieves and dividing by 100. (Note: Even though some material may be retained on
the pan, it is not considered a sieve and does not enter into computations for fineness modulus. If
sieves other than those standard sieves listed above are used, they are not used directly in the
computations and any material retained on such sieves should be considered as being retained on the
next smaller sieve of the series used in the computations, e.g. any material retained on a 1 in. sieve
would be added to the ¾ in. sieve for purposes of fineness modulus computation. However, the
amount and percentage of the 1 in. material would appear in the tabular listing in the sieve analysis.

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The following illustrate the calculations of the fineness modulus.
Cumulative Weight
Sieve No. Weight Retained % Cumulative Retained
Retained
4 30 30 9.7
8 40 70 22.6
10 30 100 - *
16 30 130 42.0
30 35 165 53.3
50 45 210 67.8
80 40 250 - -*
100 50 300 96.8
Pan 10 310 100

9.7+22.6+ 42. 0+53.3+67.8+ 96.8

Fineness Modulus of Sand = = 2.92
100
Fineness Modulus (FM) is used in determining the degree of uniformity of the aggregate
gradation in PCC mix designs. It is an empirical number relating to the fineness of the aggregate.
An interpretation of the fineness modulus might be that it represents the (weighted) average
of the group upon which the material is retained, No.100 being the first, No.50 second, etc. Thus for
the sand with FM of 3.00, sieve No. 30 (the third sieve) would be the average sieve size upon which
the aggregate is retained.
Materials, Apparatus, & Methods of Testing
Apparatus:
The following equipment and supplies are deemed necessary to properly perform the various required
tests for aggregate inspection. The technician will have on hand, or have access to sufficient
quantities of these supplies or equipment before attempting to conduct tests.
 Balance or scale: Capacity sufficient for the masses shown in Table 1, accurate to 0.1percent of
the sample mass or readable to 0.1 g, and meeting the requirements of AASHTO M 231
 Sieves: Meeting the requirements of AASHTO M 92.

- For coarse aggregates 15 in. x 23 in. or 14 in. x 14 in. screens are recommended with sieve
designations 2 in., 1 1/2 in., 1 in., 3/4 in., 1/2 in., 3/8 in., No. 4, No.8 and pan.
- For fine aggregates 8 in. round sieves are standard with sieve designations 3/8 in., No. 4, No.
8, No. 16, No. 30, No. 50, No. 100, No. 200, and pan.
 Mechanical sieve shaker: Meeting the requirements of AASHTO T 27
 Suitable drying equipment (see FOP for AASHTO T 255)
 Containers and utensils: A pan or vessel of a size sufficient to contain the sample
covered with water and to permit vigorous agitation without loss of any part of the
sample or water
 Optional mechanical washing device
II. Statement of the Problem
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Objective: To determine the particle size distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by Sieving.
The sieve analysis of an aggregate is performed by “sifting” the aggregate through a series of
sieves nested in order, with smallest opening at the bottom. These sieves have square openings and are
usually constructed of wire mesh. In the testing of concrete aggregates, there is generally employed a
series of sieves in which any sieve in the series has twice the clear opening of the next smaller size in
the series. The U.S. Standard Sieve Series and the clear opening of the sieve are given below:

This test method is used primarily to determine the grading of materials proposed for use as
aggregates or being used as aggregates. The results are used to determine compliance of the particle
size distribution with applicable specification requirements and to provide necessary data for control
of the production of various aggregate products and mixtures containing aggregates. The data may
also be useful in developing relationships concerning porosity and packing.

III. PROCEDURE
1. Obtain a representative sample by quartering or by the use of sample splitter. The sample to be
tested should be the approximate weight desired when dry. For this experiment about 500 grams
of fine aggregate and about 1.5 kilograms of coarse aggregate.
2. Dry the samples to constant temperature in the oven at a temperature 110 ± 5 ºC (230 ± 41ºF).
3. Assemble the sieves in order of decreasing size of opening from top to bottom and place sample
on top of the sieve and cover it with the lid.
a. For coarse aggregate: 1”, ¾”, ½”. 3/8”, #4, #8, pan
b. For fine aggregate: 3/8”, #4, #30, #50, #100, pan
4. Agitate the sieve by hand or by mechanical shaker for five minutes or for a sufficient period.
5. Limit the quantity of material on a given sieve so that all the particles have opportunity to reach
sieve openings a number of times during the sieving operations. For sieve with openings smaller
than No. 4 (4.75 mm), the weight retained on any sieve at the completion of the sieving operations
shall not exceed 6 kg/m 2 of sieving surface. For the sieve with openings No. 4 (4.75 mm) and

larger, the weight in kg/m 2 of the sieving surface shall not exceed the product 2.5 x (sieve opening
in mm). In no case shall the weight be so great as to cause permanent deformation of the sieve
cloth.
6. Continue sieving for sufficient period in such a manner that, after completion, not more than 0.5
percent by weight of the total sample passes any sieve during one (1) minute of continuous hand
sieving.
7. Weigh the material that is retained on each sieve, including the weight retained in the pan, and
record in the data sheet. The total weight of the material after sieving should check closely with
original sample placed on the sieve. If the sum of those weights is not within 1 percent (0.3 for
ASTM requirement) of the original sample, the procedure should be repeated
8. Compute the cumulative percent retained on, and the percent passing each sieve.
9. Plot the gradation curves for the coarse and the fine aggregates from the experiment on the graph
provided. Plot the specified gradation curves for coarse and fine aggregates (to be specified by the

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 laboratory instructor). Plot the combine-grading curve using the 40% aggregate and 60% fine
aggregate.

10. Compute the Fineness Modulus for the fine and coarse aggregate.

IV. DATA GATHERED

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING LABORATORY

CIVIL ENGINEERING AND INFOR,MATION TECHNOLOGY
SURIGAO DEL NORTE STATE UNIVERSITY

SIEVE ANALYSIS DATA SHEET

COARSE AGGREGATE

Initial Weight: 1.5 kg .

Cum. Weight
Sieve Weight Retained Cum. Percent Percent
Retained
No. (in grams) Retained Passing
(in grams)
1” 64.70 64.70 5.26% 94.74%
3/8” 817.40 882.10 71.66% 28.34%
#4 201.6 1083.70 88.04% 11.96%
#8 137.2 1220.90 99.19% 0.81%
Pan 10 1230.90 100.00% 0.00%

Table 1. Result of Sieve Analysis for Coarse Aggregate

5.26+72.6 6+88.04 +99.19

Fineness Modulus of Coarse Aggregates = = 2.65
100

FINE AGGREGATE

Initial Weight: 500 g .

Weight Cum. Weight

Sieve Cum. Percent Percent
Retained Retained
No. Retained Passing
(in grams) (in grams)
#4 1.9 1.9 0.38% 99.62%
#8 3.2 5.1 1.03% 98.97%
#30 96.6 101.7 20.49% 79.51%
#50 232.9 334.6 67.42% 32.58%
#100 124.1 458.7 92.42% 7.58%
Pan 37.6 496.3 100% 0%

Table 2. Result of Sieve Analysis for Fine Aggregate

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 0.38+1.03+20.49+67.42+ 92.42
Fineness Modulus of Fine Aggregates = = 1.82
100

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING LABORATORY

CIVIL ENGINEERING AND INFOR,MATION TECHNOLOGY
SURIGAO DEL NORTE STATE UNIVERSITY

SIEVE ANALYSIS PERCENT PASSING CHART

COARSE AGGREGATES
100.00%
90.00%
80.00%
70.00%
60.00%
50.00%
40.00%
30.00%
20.00%
10.00%
0.00%
1” 3/8” #4 #8 Pan

Figure 2.1 (Sieve Analysis of Coarse Aggregate)

FINE AGGREGATES
120.00%

100.00%

80.00%

60.00%

40.00%

20.00%

0.00%
#4 #8 #30 #50 #100 Pan

Figure 2.2 (Sieve Analysis of fine aggregate)

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V. DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

The sieve analysis conducted on both coarse and fine aggregates revealed significant insights into
the particle size distribution of the materials tested. For the coarse aggregate, the fineness modulus was
calculated to be 2.65, indicating a relatively uniform distribution of particle sizes. The results showed that a
substantial percentage of the aggregate was retained on the larger sieves, with the majority of the material
falling within the 1-inch to 3/8-inch range. This gradation is essential for ensuring the structural integrity
and workability of concrete mixes, as it allows for optimal packing and minimizes voids, thereby enhancing
the overall performance of the concrete.

In contrast, the fine aggregate exhibited a fineness modulus of 1.82, suggesting a finer distribution
of particles compared to the coarse aggregate. The sieve analysis indicated that a significant portion of the
fine aggregate was retained on the smaller sieves, particularly the #50 and #100 sieves, which accounted
for over 67% of the total weight retained. This finer gradation is crucial for achieving the desired
workability and cohesiveness in concrete mixtures, as it helps to fill the voids between larger particles and
contributes to a smoother finish. Overall, the findings from the sieve analysis underscore the importance of
proper gradation in aggregate selection for concrete applications, as it directly influences the material's
performance characteristics and the efficiency of cement and asphalt usage.

VI. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

In conclusion, the sieve analysis of both coarse and fine aggregates demonstrated the critical role
of particle size distribution in determining the performance of concrete mixtures. The results indicated that
the selected aggregates met the necessary gradation requirements, which is essential for ensuring
workability, strength, and durability in construction applications. It is recommended that future aggregate
selections continue to prioritize proper gradation, utilizing sieve analysis as a standard practice to assess
compliance with specifications. Additionally, regular monitoring and testing of aggregate materials should
be implemented to maintain quality control throughout the construction process, ensuring that the
aggregates used consistently meet the desired performance criteria for various concrete applications.

VII. REFERENCES

Referenced Documents:

 Laboratory Manual in Construction Materials and Testing, Gepulango

 ASTM (136-96a, C 702, E 11, D 75)
 (T 27-91, T 11-65)
 C117 Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-m (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral
Aggregates by Washing

 C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates

 C637 Specification for Aggregates for Radiation-Shielding Concrete

 C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for
Construction Materials

 C702 Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size

 D75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates

 E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves

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 T 27 Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates

 ND T 27 SIEVE ANALYSIS OF FINE AND COARSE AGGREGATES

VIII. PHOTO DOCUMENTATIONS: