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The Camarines Norte State College, as part

of the country’s educational system shall
provide advanced studies, higher
VISION technological and professional institution in
“CNSC as a Premier Higher Education the field of arts, science and technology,
Institution in the Bicol Region.” Republic of the Philippines entrepreneurship, administration and
education. It shall also provide and promote
CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE research, production, extension services,
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING culture and arts and progressive leadership
Daet, Camarines Norte in all areas of discipline and responsibilities.

BS CIVIL ENGINEERING Rating:

CE 102 - Construction Materials and Testing
Laboratory Worksheet

Name : _________________________________ Date Performed: _________________________

Group No. : _________________________________ Date Submitted: _________________________

Activity No. 01
Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates
(Adopted from ASTM C 136)

Scope:
1. This test method covers the determination of the particle size distribution of fine and coarse aggregates by sieving.
2. Some specifications for aggregates which reference this method contain grading requirements including both coarse and
fine fractions. Instructions are included for sieve analysis of such aggregates.
3. The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are provided for information
purposes only.

Objective:
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.
Note: Accurate determination of material finer than the 75-μm (No. 200) sieve cannot be achieved by use of this
method alone. Test Method C 117 for material finer than 75-μm sieve by washing should be employed.

Materials Needed:
Fine Aggregate—The size of the test sample, after drying, shall be 300 g minimum; for this activity, prepare a minimum of
1 kg.
Coarse Aggregate—The size of the test sample of coarse aggregate shall conform with the standard (see handout for
minimum requirement);

Apparatus:
1. Balances—Balances or scales used in testing fine and coarse aggregate shall have readability and accuracy as follows:
a. For fine aggregate, readable to 0.1 g and accurate to 0.1 g or 0.1 % of the test load, whichever is greater, at any
point within the range of use.
b. For coarse aggregate, or mixtures of fine and coarse aggregate, readable and accurate to 0.5 g or 0.1 % of the test
load, whichever is greater, at any point within the range of use.
2. Sieves—The sieve cloth shall be mounted on substantial frames constructed in a manner that will prevent loss of
material during sieving. The sieve cloth and standard sieve frames shall conform to the requirements of Specification
E 11.
 3. Oven—An oven of appropriate size capable of maintaining a uniform temperature of 110  5°C (230  9°F).
4. Brushes ( you can use paint brushes, 1 with fine bristles & 1 w/ regular bristle)

Procedure:

1. Dry the clean sample to constant mass at a temperature of 110  5°C (230  9°F). (Note: Because of limited
availability of the oven, you can air-dry the samples, but, do not do this if your samples will be use for other
laboratory experiments.)
2. Select sieves with suitable openings to furnish the information required by the specifications covering the
material to be tested. Nest the sieves in order of decreasing size of opening from top to bottom and place the
sample on the top sieve. Agitate the sieves by hand (or by mechanical apparatus) for a sufficient period,
established by trial or checked by measurement on the actual test sample, to meet the criterion for adequacy or
sieving.
3. Limit the quantity of material on a given sieve so that all particles have opportunity to reach sieve openings a
number of times during the sieving operation. In no case shall the quantity retained be so great as to cause
permanent deformation of the sieve cloth. You can split the sample into two or more portions, sieving each
portion individually. Combine the masses of the several portions retained on a specific sieve.
4. Calculate percentages passing, total percentages retained, or percentages in various size fractions to the nearest
0.1 % on the basis of the total mass of the initial dry sample.
Note:
a. Report percentages to the nearest whole number, except if the percentage passing the 75-μm (No. 200) sieve
is less than 10 %, it shall be reported to the nearest 0.1 %.
b. Report the fineness modulus, to the nearest 0.01.

Notes:
1. Be sure that your aggregate samples are clean and free from other deleterious substances before you start the written
procedure. Otherwise, wash the aggregates first but do not start sieving unless the samples are well-dried.
2. Make a documentation for each of the above-mentioned steps, indicating all the mass determinations and other
procedures.
3. Use A4-size bond papers (individual submission for this activity worksheet) and submit with a white folder (by group).
Calculations:

1. Calculations for sieve analysis of fine aggregate

Sieve Size Mass Individual % Total % Total % Remarks

retained, g, retained retained passing
individual on cumulative
each sieve
3/8

4.75 mm
(No. 4)
2.36 mm
(No. 8)
1.18 mm
(No. 16)
600 μm (No.
30)
300 μm (No.
50)
150 μm (No.
100)
75 μm (No.
200)
Pan

Total ------ ------

2. Calculations for sieve analysis of coarse aggregate

Sieve Mass Individual % Total % Total % Remarks

Size retained, g, retained retained passing
individual on cumulative
each sieve
 3. Calculations of fineness modulus for fine aggregate

4. Calculation of fineness modulus for coarse aggregate

Findings/Conclusions:

Recommendations:

Note: You may provide an additional paper for your findings, conclusion/s, recommendation/s.