FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

PAHANG

LABORATORY MANUAL

COURSE

CIVIL ENGINEERING MATERIAL

LABORATORY

COURSE CODE

ECS256

LEVEL OF OPENNESS

CATEGORY

PARTIALLY OPEN ENDED

DEGREE OF OPEN-ENDED
(%)

33

PERIOD OF ACTIVITY

1 WEEK

TITLE
PREAMBLE

FINENESS MODULUS AND PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION

1.1 Introduction
Level 1 laboratory activity refers to condition where the problem and ways &
means are guided and given to the students. However the answers to the
assignment are left to the students to solve using the group creativity and
innovativeness. The activity is hoping to slowly introduce and inculcates
independent learning amongst students and prepare them for a much
harder task of open-ended laboratory activities.
In this laboratory activity students will be exposed to the usage of the vicat
apparatus to determine the standard consistency of cement paste.

1.2 Objective
The objective of the test is:
1) To determine the fineness modulus of given samples of aggregate
by the method of sieve analysis.
2) To determine the grading of the aggregate i.e the particle
distribution.
.
1.3 Learning Outcomes
At the end of the laboratory activity, students would be able to:
1. Find out the fineness of modulus and the particle size distribution of
given sample.
2. Analyze data correctly and present in typical format.
3. Work in a group to produce technical report.

FKA, UiTM,PAHANG

Dis 2014

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
PAHANG

LABORATORY MANUAL

1.4 Theoretical Background

Fineness mould is only a numerical index of fineness, giving some idea of
a mean size of particles in the entire bulk of aggregate, sample of which is
taken for the test. It is obtained by sieving a known weight of given
aggregate in a set of standard sieves and by adding the percentage weight
of material retained on the entire sieve and dividing the total percentage by
100.

PROBLEM
STATEMENT
WAYS & MEANS

The group must carry out the test following the procedures outline and
subsequently analyse the data and present it in a proper technical format.

3.1

Apparatus
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Weighing balance accurate to 0.5% of the mass of the test sample

Sieve shaker trays
Drying oven
Sieve shaker pan
Sieve brush

3.2 Procedures
3.2.1 sieve analysis test
1.

The sample for test shall comply with the appropriate minimum

mass given in table 5 of BS 812: part1.

2. Bring the sample to a dry condition before weighing and sieving.
This may be achieved either by drying at room tempt or by heating
at a temperature not exceeding 110 Celsius.
3. Check that the test sieve is dry and clean before use.
4. Weight the dry sample.
5. Place the sieve to form a nest of sieves, the large size being on top
of next lower size sieve. Place the receiving pan at the bottom. Fix
this nest of sieves in a sieve shaker.
6. In order to prevent blinding of a sieve apertures by overloading,
place the amount of aggregate on the top sieve such that the mass
of aggregate retained on the sieve at completion of the operation is
nit greater than the given for that sieve in table 6 of BS812: Part1.
7. Now cover the top sieve and operate the sieve shaker for about 10
to 15 from the mesh on completion of sieving.
8. Weight the material retained on each sieve together with any
materials cleaned from the mesh on completion of sieving.
FKA, UiTM,PAHANG

Dis 2014

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
PAHANG

LABORATORY MANUAL

9. Tabulate the results and calculate the fineness modulus.

10. Draw grading curves and compare with limits gives in Table 1, 2,3
of BS 882:201 : Pat1.
3.2
Data Acquisition
All data collected from the tests may be recorded into the following tables:
Table 3.1: coarse aggregate : mass of riffled or quartered sample
Bs test

mass

Mass of

mass

Cumulative

Cumulative

Cumulative

sieve

of

pan after

aggregate

mass

percentage

percentage

size(mm)

empty

shaking(g)

retained

aggregate

of the mass

passing

pan

on each

retained (g)

of the total

(%)

(g)

sieve (g)

sample
retained
(%)

Total mass
of
aggregate

Table 3.2: fine aggregate : mass of riffled or quartered sample

Bs test

mass

Mass of

mass

Cumulative

Cumulative

Cumulative

sieve

of

pan after

aggregate

mass

percentage

percentage

size(mm)

empty

shaking(g)

retained

aggregate

of the mass

passing

pan

on each

retained (g)

of the total

(%)

(g)

sieve (g)

sample
retained
(%)

Total mass
of
aggregate

FKA, UiTM,PAHANG

Dis 2014

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
PAHANG

LABORATORY MANUAL

4.0 Results, Analysis and Conclusion

The group is required to submit the technical report of the laboratory results
RESULTS

highlighting the fineness modulus and size distribution aggregate.

The format of the report is left to the creativity and discretion of the group.
The report must be submitted 7 days after the completion of the test.

FKA, UiTM,PAHANG

Dis 2014