EXPERIMENT 3: SEIVE ANALYSIS TEST

1.0 OBJECTIVE:

The test is to determine the particle size distribution of the coarse and fine aggregates.

2.0 THEORY:

This experiment is carried out to determine a good distribution of aggregate by using sieves and
comparing the result obtained with BS 410. The plotted distribution curve can give a clear picture of
the quality of different sizes of aggregates. A good distribution curve must be an “Ideal Fuller Curve’.

3.0 TECHNICAL ASPECTS

a. The sieve analysis determines the gradation (the distribution of aggregate particles, by size,
within a given sample) in order to determine compliance with design, production control
requirements, and verification specifications.
b. The gradation data may be used to calculate relationships between various aggregate or
aggregate blends, to check compliance with such blends, and to predict trends during
production by plotting gradation curves graphically, to name just a few uses. Used in
conjunction with other tests, the sieve analysis is a very good quality control and quality
acceptance tool.

4.0 APPARATUS

i. Division box size 25.4 mm (1”) and 44.45mm (1¾)

ii. 1 pail of dry course aggregate (granite).
iii. ½ pail of dry fine aggregate (sand).
iv. Sieve size: 0.15mm (no.100), 0.30mm (no.50), 0.60mm (no.25), 1.2mm (no.14), 2.4mm
(no.7).
v. Sieve size: 76.2mm (3”), 38.1mm(1½”), 19.05mm (¾”), 9.52 mm (38⁄”), 2.4 mm (316"⁄).
vi. Sieve pan and cover.
vii. Mechanical sieve shaker.

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5.0 PROCEDURE

i. Perform a visual classification on the aggregate provided.

ii. Inspect your sieve stack. Check for any loose screens, holes in the screens or tears at the seams.
Clean the sieve if necessary. Use a course wire brush for larger sieve sizes, but use a soft nylon
brush with smaller sieve sizes.
iii. Collect ½ pail of fine aggregate (sand) and 1 pail of course aggregate at different places.
iv. Divide the sample of fine aggregate with a division box, size 25.4 mm and course aggregate
with division box size 44.45 mm.

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 6.0 DATA COLLECTION:
RESULT:

Analyze the result obtained by drawing the distribution curve in the graph given. Determine the various
zone of aggregate with the analyses result and compare it with Grading Standard MS 7.4.

Fine Aggregate: Sand Coarse Aggregate: Mixed stone

Sand Type: Aggregate Types :
Fineness Modulus: Nominal Size :

Fineness Modulus Of Fine Aggregate: 2.0 – 3.3 Nominal Maximum Size Of Coarse Aggregate: 37.5-9.5
Remark : Remark :

7.0 QUESTION

i. What the Sieve Test graph represents?

ii. Explain the importance of sieve analysis test
iii. What is the meaning of the dashed line shown in the Sieve Test graph?
iv. Determine the value of Modules Fineness for this experiment and comment on the result
obtained.

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Type of aggregate: Sand
Sample Weight: 500gram
Retained Retained Passing
Aggregate Retained Aggregate Passing Passing
Sieve Size Percentage Cumulative Cumulative
Weight (g) Weight (g) Percentage (%)
(%) Percentage (%) Percentage (%)
2.36 mm
1.18 mm
600µ
300µ
150µ
Pan
Total

Type of aggregate: Gravel

Sample Weight: 2000gram
Retained Retained Passing
Aggregate Retained Aggregate Passing Passing
Sieve Size Percentage Cumulative Cumulative
Weight (g) Weight (g) Percentage (%)
(%) Percentage (%) Percentage (%)
37.5 mm
20 mm
10 mm

5 mm

3.35 mm

Pan
Total

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8.0 DISCUSSION

9.0 CONCLUSION

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