University of Negros Occidental Recoletos
College of Engineering
CETEST 44P (E42)
Experiment No. 1
Sieve Analysis of Aggregates
ASTM C-136
Submitted by:
Alarcon, Mary Elsalyn
Chua, Dan Albert
Dequia, Kimbirle Mae
Estilles, Zaldwen
Famoso, Alfred Justin
Jongoy, Joebert
Maalihan, Anthony Jr
Submitted to:
Engr. Bevelyn Grace P. Alson
Course & Year:
BSCE IV
Group Number: 3
Date of Test:July 2, 2015
Date of Report: July 30, 2015
Title: Sieve Analysis of Aggregates
Objectives: To determine the particle size distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by dry sieving.
Apparatus:
Balances or scales with a minimum accuracy of 0.5 g for coarse aggregate or 0.1g for fine
aggregate
Sieves
Shovel
Pan
Procedures:
Dry the aggregate test sample to a constant weight at a temperature of 110 5 C, then cool to
room temperature.
Select suitable sieve sizes to furnish the information required by the specifications covering the
material to be tested. Common sieves in millimeters are 37.5 mm, 25 mm, 19 mm, 12.5 mm, 9.5
mm, 4.75 mm, 3.35 mm, 2.36 mm, 2 mm, 1.18 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.425 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.180 mm,
0.15 mm, and 0.075 mm (1 1/2 in., 1 in., 3/4 in., in., 3/8 in., No. 4, No.6, No. 8, No. 10, No.
16, No. 30, No. 40, No. 50, No. 80, No. 100, and No. 200).
Nest the sieves in order of decreasing size of opening, and place the aggregate sample on the
top sieve.
Agitate the sieves by hand or by mechanical apparatus for a sufficient period. The criterion for
sieving time is that, after completion, not more than 1% of the residue on any individual sieve
will pass that sieve during 1 minute of continuous hand sieving.
Determine the weight of each size increment.
The total weight of the material after sieving should be compared with the original weight of the
sample placed on the sieves. If the amounts differ by more than 0.3%, based on the original dry
sample weight, the results should not be used for acceptance purposes.
Data & Tabulation:
Sieve Size
Amount
Retained, g (a)
Table 1.1
Cumulative
Amount
Retained, g (b)
37.5mm
(1 )
25 mm
(1 in.)
19 mm
(3/4 in.)
12.5 mm
(1/2 in.)
9.5 mm
(3/8 in.)
4.75 mm
(No. 4)
3.35 mm
(No.6)
2.36 mm
(No. 8)
2.00 mm
(No.10)
1.18 mm
(No.16)
0.60 mm
(No.30)
0.425 mm
(No.40)
0.30 mm
(No.50)
0.180 mm
(No.80)
0.15 mm
(No.100)
0.075 mm
(No.200)
Pan
100
144
144
98
860
1004
13
87
1670
2674
36
64
871
3545
47
53
783
4328
58
42
225
4553
61
39
84
4637
62
38
252
4889
65
35
467
5356
71
29
710
6066
81
19
281
6347
85
15
300
6647
86
14
364
7011
93
123
7134
94.99
5.01
227
7361
98.06
1.94
149
7510
100
Weight of pan = 2650 g
Weight of pan with aggregates = 10180 g
Cumulative
Percent
Retained
( b ) x 100
( c )=
total
Percent Passing
(d) =100 - (c)
Weight of aggregates with plastic bag = 10180 2650 = 7530 g
Weight of plastic bag = 3 g
Weight of aggregates without plastic bag = 7510 g
Computations:
For Table 1.1
Let a = amount retained
b = cumulative amount retained
b = a + previous cumulative amount retained
c = cumulative percent retained
( b ) x 100
( c )=
total
d = percent passing
d= 100 c
Fineness Modulus (FM)
13+ 47+58+ 62+71+ 81+ 86+94.99
FM=
100
= 5.13
Percent error (% error)
% error =
weight of aggregates with plastic bagweight of aggregates without plastic bag
x 100
weight of aggregates with plastic bag
=
75307510
x 100
7530
= 0.27%
Conclusion
Sieve analysis on aggregates is essential in determining the aggregate particle size distribution
in an unknown sample. In such a way, we can determine how much is course and how much is fine
in its composition. We can also determine its grading and fineness modulus. These properties of
sample 'x' obtained from Sieve Analysis are necessary in designing the right concrete mix later on.
Based on the DPWH Standards, the sample failed to meet the Grading Requirements of
Subbase Course because the 25 mm sieve ranges only from 55-85 and it got 87. On Aggregate Base
Course, sample 'x' neither falls on Grading A nor Grading B. On Crushed Aggregate Base Course, it
also doesn't fall on Grading A nor Grading B. And lastly, on Aggregate Surface Course, it also
failed to fall on all Gradings A,B,C & D. The sample is best suited for Embankment.
