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Experiment #3 Sieve Analysis

This document provides instructions for experiment #3 on aggregate gradation and sieve analysis in a concrete and pavement design lab course. The experiment involves sieving aggregates using various sized sieves to determine the particle size distribution and compliance with specifications. Sieve analysis data is used to classify aggregates as well, poorly or well graded, and calculate the fineness modulus as a measure of aggregate size. Charts and calculations of sieve sizes, percent retained, cumulative percentages and fineness modulus are outlined.

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Christelle Kharrat
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660 views

Experiment #3 Sieve Analysis

This document provides instructions for experiment #3 on aggregate gradation and sieve analysis in a concrete and pavement design lab course. The experiment involves sieving aggregates using various sized sieves to determine the particle size distribution and compliance with specifications. Sieve analysis data is used to classify aggregates as well, poorly or well graded, and calculate the fineness modulus as a measure of aggregate size. Charts and calculations of sieve sizes, percent retained, cumulative percentages and fineness modulus are outlined.

Uploaded by

Christelle Kharrat
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Notre Dame University – Louaize

Faculty of Engineering
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Spring 2013 CEN 431: Concrete & Pavement Design LAB (1 cr.)
Instructor: Nabil Y. Beshara

Experiment #3
Gradation of Aggregates
Sieve Analysis

3.1 Scope:

One of the most important test aggregates undergo before preparing a concrete mix is
the sieve analysis. Knowing that certain specifications are supplied by ATSM for the
grading of fine and course aggregates for a concrete mix, different percentages for the
furnished material should be used for those specifications to be fulfilled. In this
experiment the aggregate will be tested for uniformity in order to know the quality of the
aggregates that are going to be used later on when preparing a concrete mix. In other
words, through this experiment it would become possible to know whether the aggregate
is poorly graded, gap graded, or well graded. Of course, the aggregate that is being
searched for must be well graded to be proper for the utilization in preparing the mix.

3.2 Definitions:

• Fineness Modulus: it is an empirical figure obtained by summing up the total


percentage of the sample of aggregates retained on each of a specified series of sieves,
and dividing the total sum by 100. A smaller value of FM means a finer aggregate
sample. Fine aggregates range from FM = 2.00 to 4.00 while coarse aggregates range
from FM = 6.50 to 8.00. A combination of Coarse and Fine aggregates will result in
intermediate values.

3.3 Significance and Use of the Experiment :

The major utilization of this test method is to determine the grading of certain
material proposed to be used as aggregates or being used as aggregates. The results
obtained from this test are used to determine compliance of the particle size distribution
with the applicable specification requirements and to provide necessary data for the
control of production of various aggregate products and mixtures containing aggregates.
In addition to that, the data may also be useful in developing relationships concerning
porosity and packing.

CEN 431 Experiment #3 1/3


3.4 Apparatus:

a. Weighing Balance: A balance or scale that must be accurate, readable, and


sensitive to within 0.1% of the test load at any point within the range of use.
b. Sieves, a bottom pan, and a cover: Sieve numbers are shown in Table 1 depending
on the type of aggregate.
c. Sample Container: A suitable container that won’t get affected by the heat and that
has a sufficient volume to be able to hold the sample without any danger of
spilling.
d. Mechanical Sieve Shaker: A mechanical shaker, if used, shall impart a vertical, or
lateral and vertical motion to the sieve, causing the particles thereon to bounce and
turn so as to present different orientations to the sieving surface.
e. Mortar and Rubber-tipped Pestle.

3.5 Procedure:

1. Prepare a sample of aggregates dried to a constant mass at a temperature of 110°C


± 5°C.
2. Try to break the sample into individual particles using the mortar and a rubber-
tipped pestle.
3. Determine the mass M of the sample accurately to 0.1g.
4. Prepare a stack of sieves. A sieve with the larger openings is placed above a sieve
with smaller openings. The bottom sieve must be No. 200. A bottom pan should be
placed underneath the No. 200 sieve.
5. Introduce the sample prepared into the stack of sieves from the top.
6. Place the cover on top of stack of sieves.
7. Run the stack of sieves through a sieve shaker for about 15 minutes.
8. Stop the sieve shaker and remove the stack of sieves.
9. Weigh the amount of aggregates retained on each sieve and in the bottom pan.
10. Wash the sieves from aggregates stuck to the openings. Washing is done b y
pouring water through the sieves from a tap in the laboratory.

TABLE 1: Limits of Aggregate Sizes according to ASTM-C33


For FINE AGGREGATES For COARSE AGGREGATES
Sieve No. Opening in (mm) Range (%) Sieve No. Opening in (mm) Range
3/8in 9.5 100 1 in 25 100
4 4.75 95 to 100 3/4 in 19 90 to 100
8 2.36 85 to 100 1/2 in 12.5 -
16 1.18 50 to 85 3/8 in 9.5 20 to 55
30 0.6 25 to 60 4 4.74 0 to 10
50 0.3 10 to 30 8 2.36 0 to 5
100 0.15 2 to 10 16 1.18 -

CEN 431 Experiment #1 2/3


3.6 Calculation:

1. Calculation of the Percent of aggregates retained on the nth sieve:


(mass retained Mn / total mass M) x 100 = Rn

2. Calculation of the cumulative percent of aggregates retained on the nth sieve:


Σ Rn from i = 1 till i = n

3. Calculation of the cumulative percent passing through the nth sieve:


percent finer = 100 - Σ Rn

4. Calculation of the Fineness Modulus


FM = (∑cumulative percent retained / 100)

4.7 Graphs:

The grain-size distribution obtained from the sieve analysis is plotted on a semi-
logarithmic graph paper having the grain size on a log scale and the percent finer on a
natural one. The grain-size distribution plot helps to estimate the percent finer than a
given sieve size that might not have been used during the experiment.

3.8 Data Sheet:

Sieve Sieve Opening Percent of Mass Cumulative


No. (mm) Mass Retained on Retained on each Percent Percent Finer
each Sieve Mn (g) Sieve Rn Retained Σ Rn 100 - Σ Rn

3.9 Reference:

- Annual Book of ASTM standards, Section 4 “Construction” Volume 04.02 “Concrete


and Aggregates”.

CEN 431 Experiment #1 3/3

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