BLENDING OF

AGGREGATES

Warning: If your mind hasnt yet blended

with Gradation of Aggregates (posted on
the instructors website) then youll probably
struggle with this presentation. You should
also have Assignment 1 Example at the
ready.
What is asphalt concrete?
Not all the asphalt cement
Basically,
ends its just
up coating the aggregate
aggregate particles
coated with asphalt cement
some is absorbed
and into
then compacted.
the water-permeable
There are 3 basic elements to
voids within the
the compacted mix
aggregate particles.
1. Aggregate Particles
2. Asphalt Cement
3. Air Voids
 Voids in VMA
the Mineral
Aggregate
If
The
Theres
Well,
we
This
Of
Firstly,
space

removed
whatthe
Volatile
diagram
VMA
Voluptuous
stone,
In
occupied
heres

mathematical
is
Are
all
Mercenaries
so
and
one
shows
Virile
the
whats
you
Any
asand
Mamas
by
of
representation
asphalt
athe
help?
Mens
member?
particles
it mix
the most
asphalt
mean?
terms
of
ofcement
Association?
America?
Alberta?
without
important
all
cement
of
coated
but
athethe
and
aggregate
aggregatetheres
with
airproperties
voids
asphalt(not
stayed
compacted
cement
of
including
put
anjust
asphalt
and
it
paving
would
the
the
theres
asphalt
asphalt
paving
mix.
looka like
few
mix.
cement
cement
this:
air
absorbed) voids
is voids
(the
and in
white
airthe
voids
spaces).
mineral
. aggregate.
Vvma
VMA 100%
Vmb
Vvma = Va + Vbe
Vvma is the Volume of Voids in the Mineral
Aggregate
Vmb is the Bulk Volume of the Mix

Va is the Volume of Air Voids in the Mix

Vbe is the Effective Volume of Asphalt Cement in the Mix
 VMA and Dense Graded Aggregate
Oncegraded
Densely the mixmixes
Mathematically, has been
Fuller
are compacted
Grading
going to tooffer
Curves
offer its
the
densest
greatest
the statedensity
maximum then
resistance totheres
loads nowhere
and minimum
because for
voids:
they
minimize
particles
the
tovoid
go when
spacesubjected
and therefore
to traffic.
the
movement paths within the mix.
di
pi 100%
D
where pi = total % passing sieve size i
di = width of opening of sieve size i
D = largest size (sieve opening) in
gradation
VMA and Dense Graded Aggregate
The
These
This
Notice
But
goal
allows
can
why
is
that
to
be
would
for
blend
the
useda we
reduction
High
to
thewant
set
Spec
stock
grading
toin
is
increase
aggregates
the
above
limits
number
the
the
(specs)
to

voids?
ofproduce
Fuller
fineras
When plotted they look like this:
sizes
a with
which
blendthethat
Curve
willred
infalls
below
turn
andbetween
green
allow
the #8 an
dashed
the
increase
sieve
two
curves.
limits
in voids
VMA and Dense Graded Aggregate
Experience has shown that asphalt mixes need
to have between 3% and 5% air voids
This is a compromise between stability (lower
with higher voids) and durability.
If the voids are too low, then asphalt cement
can bleed to the surface in hot weather.
Its analogous to Portland Cement Concrete and
air entraining to match exposure to the
environment.
So minimum VMA values are specified for
different Nominal Maximum Particle Sizes
 Blending Stock Aggregates
Normally, aggregate stocks come from
different sources:
1. stone comes from crushed bedrock,
2. sand comes from natural deposits,
3. mineral filler comes from the bottom of the
crusher (dust)
There are two basic approaches:
1. Simultaneous equations (used on Assignment 1)
2. Trial and Error (spreadsheet, used for lab)
Assignment 1 Example
Two questions using simultaneous equations.
1. Produce a blend of the given aggregates that results in 28.0% passing the
0.6 mm sieve.
%
MATERIAL 25.4 19.0 16.0 12.7 9.5 4.75 2.36 1.18 0.600 0.300 0.150 0.075
Used
Cyclone A 47.49% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 90.0% 59.0% 16.0% 3.2% 2.0% 0.5% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Crushed
Newmarket 50.51% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 96.0% 82.0% 73.0% 51.0% 36.0% 21.0% 9.2%
Sand
DFC DUST 2.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

The proportion of dust is set at 2 %.

The second
When
Let The
be condition
Multiply condition
C Therefore,
we apply
theequation is
fraction=2given
that all
is
theC proportions
100%
of for
the
by Cyclone
0.005 the
proportions
- 50.51%
to
then -0.6
Afind mm
Crushed
subtract
2%
the sieve.
must
=percent
47.49%
and sum
2 from
N be 1 to 1:
passing
the
the 0.6
fraction
mm sieveof Newmarket
for the blend,Sand
we. get:

1 0.005C + 0.51
0.51NN+ =1.00(.02)
0.26 = 0.28 or

2 0.005C + 0.005
+ NN +==0.02
0.98
0.0049
= 1.0
(0.51 -(0.505)
0.005)NN
N ===0.505149
0.2551
0.26 - 0.0049
50.51%
Assignment 1 Example: Q 1 Contd
Now for the blended gradation
MATERIAL % 25.4 19.0 16.0 12.7 9.5 4.75 2.36 1.18 0.600 0.300 0.150 0.075
Used
Cyclone A 47.49% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 90.0% 59.0% 16.0% 3.2% 2.0% 0.5% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Crushed
Newmarket 50.51% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 96.0% 82.0% 73.0% 51.0% 36.0% 21.0% 9.2%
Sand
DFC DUST 2.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

SIEVE SIZE (mm): 25.4 19.0 16.0 12.7 9.5 4.75 2.36 1.18 0.600 0.300 0.150 0.075
BLEND: 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 95.3% 80.5% 58.1% 44.9% 39.8% 28.0% 20.2% 12.6 6.6%
Low: 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 80.0% 70.0% 50.0% 35.0% 25.0% 18.0% 13.0% 8.0% 4.0%
SPECIFICATION
High: 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 90.0% 70.0% 50.0% 40.0% 29.0% 23.0% 16.0% 10.0%
TARGET: 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 90.0% 80.0% 60.0% 42.5% 32.5% 23.5% 18.0% 12.0% 7.0%

Before
This
Thats
is we
the
the
start
percent
onetoallcrank
passing
right!off
So
thethe
were
0.6
blend,
mm
goodsieve
lets
to go.
check
given
Now wethe
doproportions
thefor
samecondition
for by finding
1.otherPsizes
all the 0.6

PPPP9.5
P4.75
PP ====0.4749x59.0%
2.36
0.6
0.150
1.18
16.0
12.7
0.3
25.4
19.0
0.075==0.4749x0.5%
0.4749x16.0%
0.4749x0.0%
0.4749x2.0%
0.4749x3.2%
=0.4749x100.0%+0.5051x100.0%+0.02x100.0%
0.4749x90.0%+0.5051x100.0%+0.02x100.0%
0.4749x0.0%+++++0.5051x51.0%
0.4749x0.0% 0.5051x100.0%
0.5051x36.0%
0.5051x73.0%
0.5051x82.0%
+0.5051x96.0%
0.5051x21.0%
0.5051x9.2%++++0.02x100.0%
0.4749x100.0%+0.5051x100.0%+0.02x100.0% +0.02x100.0%
0.02x100.0%
0.02x100.0%
0.02x100.0%====27.9976%
===20.184%
39.822%
44.938%
95.251%
12.607%
58.088%
80.529%
100.0%
6.647%
100.0%
PPPP0.150
0.6
2.36
12.7
4.75
1.18
9.5
0.3
0.07580.5%
20.2%
28.0%
39.8%
95.3%
44.9%
58.1%
12.6%
6.6%
Assignment 1 Example: Q1 Finale
%
MATERIAL 25.4 19.0 16.0 12.7 9.5 4.75 2.36 1.18 0.600 0.300 0.150 0.075
Used
Cyclone A 47.49% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 90.0% 59.0% 16.0% 3.2% 2.0% 0.5% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Crushed
Newmarket 50.51% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 96.0% 82.0% 73.0% 51.0% 36.0% 21.0% 9.2%
Sand
DFC DUST 2.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

CUMULATIVE WEIGHT 19.0 16.0 12.7 9.5 4.75 2.36 Passing

2.36
Weight
Cyclone A Crushed 47.49% (% USED) 0 0 57.5 235.6 482.7 556.2 574.63 % AC
(g)
Newmarket Sand 50.51% (% USED) 0 0 0 0 24.4 110.0 611.17
4.3% 54.4
DFC DUST 2.0 (% USED) 0 0 0 0 0 0 24.2
Total Specimen Mass (g): 1210 0 0 57.5 235.6 507.1 666.2 1210 4.8% 61.0

Now,
The
Now
These
Since
Any
We
The canhow
final
for
And,
First,
sizes
table
Now
were much
the
step(s)
Applying
values
check
how
for
with
above
how
using Newmarket
other
represent
much
the
these
this
much
100%
isisused
to
Newmarket
%other
formula
of
DFC
Cyclone
numbers
passing
total
the
Cyclone
to
Dust Sand
determine
cumulative
weigh
to
mix,
will
Awill
by
each
will
A
wewill
Sand
the
retain
summing
out
be be
masses:
be
%AC:
have
used?
and used?
mass
masses:
used?
none
to
mass of
blend
over
(the
use
5.3% 67.7

asphalt cement required for the 6

g asphalt
5.8% 74.5
ascale
the
ofbit
each
the
sieved
of
reading)
size
material.
algebra.
stock
andafter
calculating
(Ifor
Hence
wont
adding
individual
tell
0 the
gthe
are
anyone
%
1210
required
recorded
passing
if specimens.
youmass
which
for
dont.)
of 6.3% 81.4
should
Let the Mass agree
eachcontents
ofallACwith
these
stock the listed.
sizes.
sieve
required blend
=size
Mgradation
b and Pb = %AC 6.8% 88.3

For
The
The
The
The
Foralast
4.75
2.36
12.7
4.75
aspecimen
9.5
PPPspecimen
P2.36
P4.75
M column
12.7
9.5 mm
19.0 mm
mm
===100%x(1.00
bmm
16.0 =100%x(1.00
100%x(1.00
sieve
100%x(1.00
sieve
4.3
6.3
4.8
5.8
6.8
5.3sieve
with
should
with
sieve will
will
will
1210
will1210
retain
(and
retain
retain
g235.6/1210)
57.5/1210)
666.2/1210)
507.1/1210)
retain0/1210)
gof
0/1210)
does)
of
100
aggregate
100
100
aggregate
100 sum
=59
=90
16
82
3.2
96
100.0%
100.0%
==to
or
or
=or
=95.25%
or
80.5%
we
or
or44.9%
58.1%
the
p41%
84%
10%
18%
we
4%
96.8%
need
(100.0%)
(100.0%)
need
of
of
(80.5%)
(58.1%)
(95.3%)
(44.9%)
ofthe
2%
the
of
the
47.49%
50.51%
the
of
mass
mass
1210
mass
pbof
mass of
ofg
of
p
Mbbb
(1210) 100% A
all (1210)(0.0 449321)
6723586)
504202)
615711)
729614)
(1210)
559662) 54.4
61.0
74.581.4 Mb 1
88.3

67.7b

Newmarket
total
1210
of
1210 100 Cyclone
Cyclone
Cyclone
1210
gspecimen
ofg
4.3
Mb- 5.8
6.3
4.8
6.8
5.3 of
AASand
for
used:
Newmarket
used:
all
used:
mass
DFC
Cyclone
used:
0.84
0.41
0.968
0.10
Dust
(12100.04
0.18
x
Ax
Sand
=
574.63
x
g)
sizes
574.63
24.2
574.63
x
x sizes
611.17
611.17
=
100%g =
574.63
=235.6
482.7
=
57.5
===
556.2
611.17
110.0
24.4
g
gg g
gg 100%

pb Mb (1210)
pb

(1210 Mb ) Mb
100% 100% - pb
Assignment 1 Example : Q 2
2. Produce a blend of the given aggregates that results in 74.0% passing the
9.5 mm sieve and 61.0% passing the 2.36 mm sieve.
%
MATERIAL 25.4 19.0 16.0 12.7 9.5 4.75 2.36 1.18 0.600 0.300 0.150 0.075
Used
Gumshoe
39.21% 100.0% 100.0% 98.0% 79.0% 34.0% 9.0% 2.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Gold
Saltwater
1.10% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 98.0% 89.0% 67.0% 48.0% 21.0% 8.0% 1.5% 1.0% 0.0%
Sludge
H's Donut 59.69% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 53.0% 26.0% 5.0% 2.0%
Crumbs

Let G be the fraction of Gumshoe Gold, S be the fraction of

The
Thethird
conditions
condition
Applying
The
given
is
second
the
are
thatfirst
for
all
condition
the
the
condition
9.5
proportions
for
mmfor
P&2.36
2.36
P:9.5must
: mmsum
sieves.
to 1:
Saltwater Sludge and H be the fraction of Homers Donut
Crumbs.
1 0.34G + 0.89S + H = 0.74
2 0.02G + 0.48S + H = 0.61
3 G + S + H = 1.00

for instructions,
Using the visit
Sharp http://math.mohawkcollege.ca/calc.asp
EL546W Calculator, Mode 21:
G = 0.392098555 39.21% S = 0.011045029 1.10%

and H = 0.596856414% 59.69%

Assignment 1 Example: Q 2 Contd
Now for the blended gradation
MATERIAL % 25.4 19.0 16.0 12.7 9.5 4.75 2.36 1.18 0.600 0.300 0.150 0.075
Used
Gumshoe 39.21% 100.0% 100.0% 98.0% 79.0% 34.0% 9.0% 2.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Gold
Saltwater 1.10% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 98.0% 89.0% 67.0% 48.0% 21.0% 8.0% 1.5% 1.0% 0.0%
Sludge
H's Donut 59.69% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 53.0% 26.0% 5.0% 2.0%
Crumbs

SIEVE SIZE (mm): 25.4 19.0 16.0 12.7 9.5 4.75 2.36 1.18 0.600 0.300 0.150 0.075
BLEND: 100.0% 100.0% 99.2% 91.7% 74.0% 64.0% 61.0% 59.9% 31.7% 15.5% 3.0 1.2%
Low: 100.0% 100.0% 90.0% 75.0% 65.0% 55.0% 40.0% 28.0% 15.0% 5.0% 2.0% 0.0%
SPECIFICATION
High: 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 95.0% 85.0% 75.0% 70.0% 60.0% 35.0% 23.0% 12.0% 5.0%
TARGET: 100.0% 100.0% 95.0% 85.0% 75.0% 65.0% 55.0% 44.0% 25.0% 14.0% 7.0% 2.5%

BeforeNow
we
Gotwe
start
em both!
to same
do the crank
Sofor
were
off
all the
good
the blend,
tosizes
other go.
lets check
the proportions by finding P9.5 and P2.36
PPP9.5
4.75 P=1.18
P16.0
PPP P0.6
P0.3
12.7
2.36 ==19.0
0.150
25.4
0.075 =0.3921x98.0%
==0.3921x0.0%
0.3921x100%
0.3921x100%
0.3921x34.0%
===0.3921x9.0%
0.3921x0.0%
0.3921x79.0%
0.3921x2.0%
0.3921x0.0% 0.0110x8.0%
0.0110x1.0%
++++0.0110x67.0%
+0.0110x89.0%
++0.0110x1.5%
0.0110x48.0%
+0.0110x100%
0.0110x21.0%
0.0110x0.0%+++++0.5969x26.0%
++0.0110x98.0%
0.0110x100.0%
0.0110x100% +0.5969x53.0%
0.5969x5.0%
+0.5969x100.0%
+0.5969x100.0%
0.57969x100%
0.5969x100%
0.5969x2.0%
0.5969x100 ======91.7439%
++0.5969x100.0%
+0.5969x100%
0.5969x100% 2.9955%
=31.7237%
=100%
100%
=15.5359%
1.1938%
59.921%
=63.9559%
74.0004%
99.2158%
61.0022%
PPPP4.75
P12.7
0.6
1.18
9.5
0.075
16.0
0.3

0.150
2.3674.0%
31.7%
3.0%
59.9%
64.0%
15.5%
91.7%
99.2%
1.2%
61.0%
 Assignment 1 Example: Q2 Finale
%
MATERIAL 25.4 19.0 16.0 12.7 9.5 4.75 2.36 1.18 0.600 0.300 0.150 0.075
Used
Gumshoe 39.21% 100.0% 100.0% 98.0% 79.0% 34.0% 9.0% 2.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Gold
Saltwater 1.10% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 98.0% 89.0% 67.0% 48.0% 21.0% 8.0% 1.5% 1.0% 0.0%
Sludge
H's Donut 59.69% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 53.0% 26.0% 5.0% 2.0%
Crumbs

CUMULATIVE WEIGHT 19.0 16.0 12.7 9.5 4.75 2.36 Passing Weight
% AC
2.36 (g)
Gumshoe Gold 39.21% (% USED) 0 9.4 98.8 310.5 428.2 461.1 470.5
5.0% 63.2
Saltwater Sludge 1.10% (% USED) 0 0 0.3 1.5 4.4 6.9 13.2
5.5% 69.8
Homer's Donut Crumbs 59.69% (% USED) 0 0 0 0 0 0 716.3
Total Specimen Mass (g): 1200 0 9.4 98. 8 312.0 432.6 468.0 1200 6.0% 76.6

6.5% 83.4

Now,
Since
The
Now
The Nowhow
final
were
First,
How
Any for
for
table
how
sizes
much much
Applying
the
step(s)
using
the
above
much
with Saltwater
this
other
Homersis
100% formula
other
%isof
to
Gumshoe
used
Donut Sludge
Saltwater
total
Gumshoeto
determineeach
mix,
toCrumbs
passingweigh
Gold
will will
Sludge
Gold
we
the
will
out
retain
will be
%AC:
have used?
masses:
bemass
masses:
and to
used?of
use
blend
none
be used? 7.0% 90.3

athe
bit
of asphalt
of material.
algebra.
sieved
the cement
stock(I required
forwont tell
0 gfor
individual
Hence anyone
the
1200
are 6if
g asphalt
recorded you dont.)
specimens.
for 7.5% 97.3

Let the Mass ofallcontents

ACthese listed.
sizes.
required = Mb and Pb = %AC
M b 6.5 7.0
6.0
7.5
5.0
5.5 pb pb
MThe
M
pThe
For
For
For
We
The
The
The last
4.75
a2.36
a12.7
9.5
acan
4.75
16.0
9.5
(1200)
(1200)

Pspecimen
Pspecimen
Pspecimen
P4.75
P2.36
column
mm
mm
check
mm
=mm
====100%x(1.00
mm 100%x(1.00
100%x(1.00
sieve
100%x(1.00
sieve
100%x(1.00
sieve
sieve
these
with
should
with
with
sieve
will
100% will
will
will
1200
1200
1200
numbers
retain
retain
(and
retain
retain
312.0/1200)
(1200)(0.0
will
retain432.6/1200)
468.0/1200)
0.0/1200)
gg
98.8/1200)
g9.4/1200)
does)
of
of
of
100
100
100
100
by
aggregate
aggregate
aggregate
summing
sum
89
695187)
752688)
810811)
638298)
100
(1200)
526316)
582011) 34
67
79
2.0
48
98
9==or
98 or
to
=100.0%
=or
or
=or
99.2%
=or
74.0%
91.8%
11%
64.0%
91%
66%
the
61.0%
33%
21%
we
52%
we
2%
97.3we
98.0%
over
83.4
76.6
90.3
69.8
63.2
2% need
of
need
need
of
ofof
(99.2%)
of
(100.0%)
Mof
(91.8%)
(74.0%)
(64.0%)
(61.0%)
ofthe
the
the
of
the
the
the 59.69%
39.21%
the
11.10%
mass
the
mass
mass
mass mass
mass
mass
massof
of
of
ofof
of
of
of
of
These
bb
1200 values
9.5
19.0
12.7
16.0
100
M represent
100 --b6.5
7.0
6.0
7.5
5.0
5.5 the cumulative mass
100% (the b
gggg g 100%
each1200 size
of
total
1200
Gumshoe
Gumshoe
Saltwater
1200
Gumshoe
Gumshoe
Gumshoe
gand
of
specimen
g
Saltwater
Saltwater g
of
calculating
all
of all
Gold
Gold
Homers
Gold
Gold
all
Sludge
Gold
Saltwater
Gumshoe
mass
used:
used:
Sludge
Sludge used:
used:
used:
the
used:
Donut
(1200
0.91
0.66
used:
used: 0.21
%0.02
0.98
Sludge
Gold
passing
0.11
0.33
0.52
Crumb
0.02x
g)
xx
x470.5
x
sizes
470.5
470.5
x
470.5
x
sizes
470.5
x x 13.2
13.2
sizes
which
=
==
13.2
13.2 =
=470.5
428.2
==
310.5
=98.8
=9.4
13.2
1.5
461.1
=
4.4
6.9
716.3
0.3 g g
scale
pb shouldreading) after adding the required mass of pb
(1200 each agree
Mb ) with the
Mb sieve sizeblend gradation M (1200)
100% stock b 100% - p
b
 Trial and Error
Before the third lab, each group must
perform its blending calculations.
The first priority is making sure your sieve

results are reasonable.

If youve mixed up any sizes, even if you have

a sieving error of 0%, youll still be using

garbage for data.
The instructor will provide you with a set
that is free of calculation errors, based on
the data you submitted after you submit
the report for the first lab.
 Trial and Error
The
The gradation
The
The stock
numbers
These
The last
areproportions
gradation
stock
numbers
The shown
of theare
column
the blended
proportions
shown
of the
P trial
Where
Where are
forfound
are
isshows illustration
aggregate
blended
arefor
calculated by multiplying
found
proportions
does
does the the
the
2.7% only
is found
illustration
aggregate
by
percent
(100
2.7%
comefor (they
CA each
error
come
CAfrom?
bywerent
multiplying
P only
is adding
sieve
(Pfound
)(they
Pif
from? each
&)the
FAbyblend
werent
(Padding
sieve
).
OnceThis
you have a decent set of data, start an
This section
MF
section is
is for
for the sieve
your sizes
sieve and specs.
CA FA
analysis results. FA
The
the
percent error
result
proportions
passing in
is Poutside
by that
the of is
trial
great)
3/8 the92.7% - 90%
proportion.
materials:
the spec range = 2.7%
Excel spreadsheet
Eg.:using
Eg.: the
50.4%
44.3%
4.1%
2.0% following
= 4.1%
==100%
7.8%
96.3% xformat:
+ 44.3%
xx 0.520
0.020
0.460
+ 2.0%
Percent Passing
Sieve Size Spec Limits Sieve Analysis Results Stock Proportions % Out
Blended of Spec
52.0 46.0 2.0
Size Opening Lower Upper Aggregate
CA FA MF Total
Designation (mm) Limit Limit
CA FA MF 2.7%
3/4" 19.1 100% 100% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 52.0% 46.0% 2.0% 100.0% 0.00%

1/2" 12.7 98% 100% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 52.0% 46.0% 2.0% 100.0% 0.00%

3/8" 9.52 75% 90% 86.0% 100.0% 100.0% 44.7% 46.0% 2.0% 92.7% 2.70%

#4 4.76 50% 60% 7.8% 96.3% 100.0% 4.1% 44.3% 2.0% 50.4% 0.00%

#8 2.38 36% 60% 1.1% 88.9% 100.0% 0.6% 40.9% 2.0% 43.5% 0.00%

#16 1.19 25% 58% 0.8% 80.7% 99.9% 0.4% 37.1% 2.0% 39.5% 0.00%

#30 0.59 16% 45% 0.5% 61.1% 99.6% 0.3% 28.1% 2.0% 30.4% 0.00%

#50 0.297 7% 26% 0.4% 30.4% 98.3% 0.2% 14.0% 2.0% 16.2% 0.00%

#100 0.149 3% 10% 0.4% 11.4% 88.2% 0.2% 5.2% 1.8% 7.2% 0.00%

#200 0.074 0% 5% 0.4% 5.4% 57.5% 0.2% 2.5% 1.2% 3.8% 0.00%
 Trial and Error
What
Of course
wouldait
grading
look like
plotbefore
makesspecifying
the numbers
P CA
easier
and PFAto
? understand:
Percent Passing
Sieve Size Spec Limits Sieve Analysis Results Stock Proportions % Out
Blended of Spec
52.0 46.0 2.0
Size Opening Lower Upper Aggregate
CA FA MF Total
Designation (mm) Limit Limit
CA FA MF 2.7%

3/4" 19.1 100% 100% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 52.0% 46.0% 2.0% 100.0% 0.00%

1/2" 12.7 98% 100% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 52.0% 46.0% 2.0% 100.0% 0.00%

3/8" 9.52 75% 90% 86.0% 100.0% 100.0% 44.7% 46.0% 2.0% 92.7% 2.70%

#4 4.76 50% 60% 7.8% 96.3% 100.0% 4.1% 44.3% 2.0% 50.4% 0.00%

#8 2.38 36% 60% 1.1% 88.9% 100.0% 0.6% 40.9% 2.0% 43.5% 0.00%

#16 1.19 25% 58% 0.8% 80.7% 99.9% 0.4% 37.1% 2.0% 39.5% 0.00%

#30 0.59 16% 45% 0.5% 61.1% 99.6% 0.3% 28.1% 2.0% 30.4% 0.00%

#50 0.297 7% 26% 0.4% 30.4% 98.3% 0.2% 14.0% 2.0% 16.2% 0.00%

#100 0.149 3% 10% 0.4% 11.4% 88.2% 0.2% 5.2% 1.8% 7.2% 0.00%

#200 0.074 0% 5% 0.4% 5.4% 57.5% 0.2% 2.5% 1.2% 3.8% 0.00%
 Trial and Error
What
Nowyou youre
would
Typically
If looking
youd
specified it look
set
100% CAat
thelike
PMFthe
youd before
seeagrading
to specifying
curve
reasonable
the CA for
number
grading P or
curve,
CA
100%4%
FA)would get you the FA grading curve
the
and mineral
(say PFA?and filler
set P CA (P MF
= P FA = 100%)
(= say 48% )
Percent Passing
Sieve Size Spec Limits Sieve Analysis Results Stock Proportions % Out
Blended of Spec
100.0
Size Opening Lower Upper Aggregate
CA FA MF Total
Designation (mm) Limit Limit CA FA MF
390%

3/4" 19.1 100% 100% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 100.0% 100.0% 0.0%

1/2" 12.7 98% 100% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 100.0% 100.0% 0.0%

3/8" 9.52 75% 90% 86.0% 100.0% 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 100.0% 100.0% 10.0%

#4 4.76 50% 60% 7.8% 96.3% 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 100.0% 100.0% 40.0%

#8 2.38 36% 60% 1.1% 88.9% 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 100.0% 100.0% 40.0%

#16 1.19 25% 58% 0.8% 80.7% 99.9% 0.0% 0.0% 99.9% 99.9% 41.9%

#30 0.59 16% 45% 0.5% 61.1% 99.6% 0.0% 0.0% 99.6% 99.6% 54.6%

#50 0.297 7% 26% 0.4% 30.4% 98.3% 0.0% 0.0% 98.3% 98.3% 72.3%
#100 0.149 3% 10% 0.4% 11.4% 88.2% 0.0% 0.0% 88.2% 88.2% 78.2%
#200 0.074 0% 5% 0.4% 5.4% 57.5% 0.0% 0.0% 57.5% 57.5% 52.5%
 Trial and Error
Typically
This curve youd
is a bitset
too the P
far totofine
the a reasonable number
end indicating that
MF
more 4%
coarse is needed
(say ) and set PCAand
= Pless
(=fine:
say try
48% 4%
) more CA and 2%
less FA to drop the No 200FAto about midrange
Percent Passing
Sieve Size Spec Limits Sieve Analysis Results Stock Proportions % Out
Blended of Spec
48.0 48.0 4.0
Size Opening Lower Upper Aggregate
CA FA MF Total
Designation (mm) Limit Limit
CA FA MF 3.4%
3/4" 19.1 100% 100% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 48.0% 48.0% 4.0% 100.0% 0.0%

1/2" 12.7 98% 100% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 48.0% 48.0% 4.0% 100.0% 0.0%

3/8" 9.52 75% 90% 86.0% 100.0% 100.0% 41.3% 48.0% 4.0% 93.3% 3.3%

#4 4.76 50% 60% 7.8% 96.3% 100.0% 3.7% 46.2% 4.0% 54.0% 0.0%

#8 2.38 36% 60% 1.1% 88.9% 100.0% 0.5% 42.7% 4.0% 47.2% 0.0%

#16 1.19 25% 58% 0.8% 80.7% 99.9% 0.4% 38.7% 4.0% 43.1% 0.0%

#30 0.59 16% 45% 0.5% 61.1% 99.6% 0.2% 29.3% 4.0% 33.6% 0.0%

#50 0.297 7% 26% 0.4% 30.4% 98.3% 0.2% 14.6% 3.9% 18.7% 0.0%

#100 0.149 3% 10% 0.4% 11.4% 88.2% 0.2% 5.5% 3.5% 9.2% 0.0%

#200 0.074 0% 5% 0.4% 5.4% 57.5% 0.2% 2.6% 2.3% 5.1% 0.1%
 Trial and Error
In
Adding
After
thisainstance
more
bit more
coarse
the
tinkering
CA
would
P drop
the
is too
error
theclose
curve
on to
the
below
the
3/8
upper
the
sieve
lower
spec
could
and the final gradation curve... 3/8

not
specbe
for
reduced
a coarserthe
CANo.below
4 sieve
(1/2) 2.7%
but
would . more
beThis was
coarse
required the would
best the
to meet Ibe
could
needed
specdo. to
get the curve below the high limit for the 3/8 sieve
Percent Passing
Sieve Size Spec Limits Sieve Analysis Results Stock Proportions % Out
Blended of Spec
52.0 46.0 2.0
Size Opening Lower Upper Aggregate
CA FA MF Total
Designation (mm) Limit Limit
CA FA MF 2.7%
3/4" 19.1 100% 100% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 52.0% 46.0% 2.0% 100.0% 0.00%

1/2" 12.7 98% 100% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 52.0% 46.0% 2.0% 100.0% 0.00%

3/8" 9.52 75% 90% 86.0% 100.0% 100.0% 44.7% 46.0% 2.0% 92.7% 2.70%

#4 4.76 50% 60% 7.8% 96.3% 100.0% 4.1% 44.3% 2.0% 50.4% 0.00%

#8 2.38 36% 60% 1.1% 88.9% 100.0% 0.6% 40.9% 2.0% 43.5% 0.00%

#16 1.19 25% 58% 0.8% 80.7% 99.9% 0.4% 37.1% 2.0% 39.5% 0.00%

#30 0.59 16% 45% 0.5% 61.1% 99.6% 0.3% 28.1% 2.0% 30.4% 0.00%

#50 0.297 7% 26% 0.4% 30.4% 98.3% 0.2% 14.0% 2.0% 16.2% 0.00%

#100 0.149 3% 10% 0.4% 11.4% 88.2% 0.2% 5.2% 1.8% 7.2% 0.00%

#200 0.074 0% 5% 0.4% 5.4% 57.5% 0.2% 2.5% 1.2% 3.8% 0.00%
 Trial and Error
It takes a lot of work to get the
gradation plot to look like the ones
shown in this presentation
A step-by-step example of how this

is done can be found in the Graphing

Standards posted on my website
home page