GRADUATION OF COARSE AGGREGATES
OBJECTIVE:
To carry out sieve analysis of Coarse aggregate to determine nominal maximum size.
To determine the particle‐size distribution of coarse aggregate
MATERIALS REQUIRED:
Coarse Aggregate
APPARATUS REQUIRED:
IS sieves
Mechanical Sieving Machine
Weighing Machine
THEORY:
Coarse Aggregates
Coarse aggregates are granular materials retained on a 4.75 mm IS sieve, commonly used in
construction works, particularly in concrete and road construction. According to IS 383:2016,
coarse aggregates include crushed stone, gravel, or other hard, durable materials of mineral
origin. These aggregates contribute significantly to the mechanical properties of concrete such as
compressive strength, durability, and workability.
The aggregates must be clean, hard, and free from impurities like clay, silt, and organic matter.
The size, shape, and texture of coarse aggregates influence the strength and stability of the final
construction mix. Grading, surface texture, and specific gravity are key characteristics evaluated
to ensure suitability for construction applications.
Sieve Analysis of Coarse Aggregates
Sieve analysis is a standard method used to determine the particle size distribution of aggregates.
It involves mechanically sieving the aggregate through a series of standard IS sieves arranged in
descending order of opening size. For coarse aggregates, the sieves typically used include 80
mm, 40 mm, 20 mm, 16 mm, 12.5 mm, 10 mm and 4.75 mm, in accordance to IS 383
specifications.
The procedure includes the following steps:
A representative sample of coarse aggregate is oven-dried.
The sample is weighed and placed on the top sieve of the sieve stack.
The sieve set is subjected to mechanical agitation (shaking) for a specific period.
The mass of material retained on each sieve is measured.
The cumulative percentage retained and the cumulative percentage passing through each
sieve are calculated.
Particle Size Distribution Curve
The Particle Size Distribution (PSD) curve, also known as the gradation curve, is a graphical
representation of the results of a sieve analysis. It plots the cumulative percentage passing versus
the sieve sizes on a semi-logarithmic scale.
The curve provides critical insights into:
• The uniformity and range of particle sizes in the aggregate sample.
• The grading zone of the aggregate (e.g., well-graded, poorly graded, gap-graded).
• Compliance with the required grading envelope as per IS 383.
Figure:1 Particle Size Distribution curve of Coarse Aggregate
Source: V. M. Sounthararajan et al. / International Journal of Engineering and Technology
A well-graded aggregate has particles of various sizes that fit well together, resulting in reduced
void content and improved strength and workability. Conversely, poorly graded aggregates may
lead to excessive voids and higher cement consumption in concrete.
Nominal Maximum Size of Aggregate
The smallest sieve opening through which the entire amount of aggregate is permitted to pass,
with not more than 10% retained. It is the average of the maximum size of the aggregates.
Fig:2 IS sieve designation and %passing
Source: IS 383-2016 / coarse aggregates
Coefficient of Uniformity (Cu)
The Coefficient of Uniformity (Cu) indicates the range of particle sizes present in a soil or
aggregate sample. It is calculated as:
Cu > 4 (for gravels) and Cu > 6 (for sands) indicates a well-graded material (wide range of
particle sizes).
Cu < 4 or 6 suggests a uniformly graded or poorly graded material.
Coefficient of Curvature (Cc)
The Coefficient of Curvature (Cc) provides information about the shape of the gradation
curve between the D10 and D60 values. It is calculated using:
( D30 )∗D 30
Cc=
D10∗D 60
For a material to be well-graded, typically: l≤Cc≤3
If Cc falls outside this range, it may indicate gap grading or an irregular distribution.
Where,
D10=Diameter at which 10% of the sample (by weight) is finer (i.e., smaller) than this size. Also
called the effective size.
D30 = Diameter at which 30% of the sample is finer than this size.
D60 =Diameter at which 60% of the sample is finer than this size.
PROCEDURE:
A representative sample of 5 kg of fine aggregate was selected for the test.
A set of standard IS sieves was arranged in descending order of mesh size, beginning
with the 40 mm sieve at the top, followed by 20 mm, 16 mm, 12.5m, 10 mm, and
4.75 mm sieves.
A pan was placed at the bottom to collect particles passing through all the sieves.
The entire stack was securely fitted with a lid.
The prepared sample was carefully introduced into the topmost sieve (40 mm), and
the lid was closed to prevent loss of material during the sieving process.
The complete sieve assembly was placed on a mechanical sieve shaker, and the
sample was sieved for a duration of ten minutes to ensure effective separation of
particles based on size. After completion of the sieving process, the mass of material
retained on each sieve and the pan was carefully collected and weighed using a
precision balance. These measurements were recorded for further analysis, including
the calculation of the nominal maximum size of aggregate.
OBSERVATIONAND CALCULATION:
Total weight of fine aggregate: 5 kg
Table:1
S.N. Sieve opening size Weight of Cumulative Cumulative % passing of
sample weight of % of Sample aggregate
retained sample (kg) retained
(kg)
1 40 mm 0 0 0 100
2 20mm 0.7 0.7 13.99 86.01
3 16 mm 1.302 2.002 40.01 59.99
4 12.5 mm 1.02 3.002 60.39 39.61
5 10 mm 0.754 3.776 75.46 24.54
6 4.75 mm 0.878 4.654 93.01 6.99
7 pan 0.35 5.004 100 0
Σ cumulative retained in %
Fineness Modulus(FM) =
100
= 2.8286
Nominal maximum size = 40mm
RESULT:
Fineness modulus was found to be = 2.8286
Nominal Maximum size = 40 mm
From graph D10= 5.40mm
D30=10.84mm
D60= 16mm
Cu=2.96
Cc=1.36
DISCUSSION:
We tested our coarse aggregate by pouring it through sieves of 40, 20, 16, 12.5, 10, and
4.75 mm and noted how much passed each size. From that, we found 10% of particles
are smaller than about 5.4 mm, 30% smaller than about 10.8 mm, and 60% smaller than
about 16 mm. Since there are many large and many small pieces but few in the 10–16
mm range, the mix is gap-graded. This means extra fine material (like sand) is needed
to fill gaps; otherwise, the concrete could be hard to work with, have more air voids, or
let water pass too easily
CONCLUSION:
Hence, the sieve analysis was conducted to determine nominal maximum size of the coarse
aggregate and particle size distribution.
PRECAUTIONS:
The coarse aggregate sample must be thoroughly dried in an oven at a temperature of
100°C to 110°C before sieving.
All sieves should be clean and free from previous residue. Clogged or damaged sieves
can result in incorrect particle size distribution.
Ensure that the sieve stack is tightly clamped and properly sealed with a lid to prevent
material loss during the sieving process.
Manual shaking, if used, should be done carefully and for a sufficient duration (typically
10– 15 minutes).
Use a precise and calibrated balance for weighing the retained material on each sieve.
Record weights immediately to avoid errors due to moisture absorption or loss.
