CE305c136.

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University of New Mexico

Civil Engineering Department
Civil Engineering Materials Laboratory, CE 305L

SIEVE ANALYSIS OF FINE & COARSE AGGREGATES

ASTM C136

Scope

This test method covers the determination of the particle size distribution of fine and coarse aggregates by sieving.
A weighed sample of dry aggregate is separated through a series of sieves of progressively smaller openings for
determination of particle size distribution.

References

ASTM C117 Materials Finer Than 75-µ m (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
ASTM E11 Specification for Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing Purposes
AASHTO T27 Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates
ASTM C33 Standard Specifications for Concrete Aggregates
ASTM C125 Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates

Definitions

Maximum Size (of aggregate) - in specifications for, or description of aggregate, the smallest sieve opening
through which the entire amount of aggregate is required to pass.

Nominal Maximum Size (of aggregate) - in specifications for, or description of aggregate, the smallest sieve
opening through which the entire amount of the aggregate is permitted to pass.

Apparatus

Scale (or balance) - 0.1 g accuracy for fine sieve analysis, 0.5 g accuracy for coarse sieve analysis
Sieves
Mechanical Sieve Shaker
Drying Oven (110 +/- 5 C)

Materials

Fine Aggregate (<No. 4 sieve) - 300 g (oven dried)

Coarse Aggregate (>No. 4 sieve) - 5 kg (oven dried)

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Procedure (perform for both fine and coarse aggregates)

1) Dry sample to constant weight at a temperature of 110 +/- 5 C (230 +/- 9 F).

2) Select suitable sieve sizes to obtain the required information as specified. The following sieves are applicable
with reference to ASTM C33:
Coarse Aggregate (in.) Fine Aggregate

1.5
1
¾
1/2
3/8
No. 4 No. 4
No. 8 No. 8
No. 16 No. 16
No. 30
No. 50
No. 100
No. 200
PAN PAN

2) Nest the sieves in order of decreasing size of opening from the top to bottom. Place the pan below the bottom
sieve. Place the sample on the top sieve. Place lid over top sieve.

3) Agitate the sieves by hand or by mechanical apparatus for a sufficient period such that not more than 1% by
weight of the residue on any individual sieve will pass that sieve during 1 minute of additional hand sieving. Ten
minutes of original sieving will usually accomplish this criteria.

4) Determine the weight of material retained on each sieve. The total retained weights should closely match the
original weight of the sample (within 0.3%).

Calculations

1) Calculate percentages passing and total percentages retained to the nearest 0.1% of the initial dry weight of the
sample.

2) Calculate the fineness modulus as follows:

Fine aggregate:
F.M. = {Σ (Cumulative % Retained on # 4, 8, 16, 30, 50, and 100 Sieves)}/100

Coarse aggregate:
F.M. = {Σ (Cumulative % Retained on 1-1/2”, 3/4”, 3/8”, Nos. 4, 8, 16, 30, 50, and 100 Sieves)}/100

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Report

1) Total percentage of material passing each sieve (both tabulated and graphical presentations)

2) Total percentage of material retained on each sieve (tabulated).

3) Report percentages to 0.1%.

4) Report the fineness modulus to the nearest 0.01.

Questions

1) Do these aggregates meet the ASTM specifications (ASTM C33)? Show this by comparing the specifications
with your gradations for both the coarse and fine aggregates (compare in tabular form and graphical form).