Experiment 3: Test for Fineness Modulus and Grading of Fine Aggregate (sand)

Aim:

To determine the fineness modulus and grading of given coarse aggregate by sieve analysis.

Apparatus and Materials:

A set of Indian Standard (IS) sieves consisting of 10mm, 4.75mm,2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600 , 300 and 150 ,
pan, sieve shaker, trays, fine aggregate (1kg), weighing balance (one gram accuracy).

Significance/Theory:

The significance of this test is to find particles size distribution of the aggregate and the mean size of the
aggregate. The aggregate should confirm to a certain grading pattern for its use in concrete production. For the
production of good and economic concrete, it is always better to use well graded aggregate. Well graded
requires lesser fine materials i.e., cement for compact material i.e., concrete. The fineness modulus of fine
aggregate should be in between 2.3 to 3.1 (fine sand to coarse sand) for its application in the normal concrete
productions. The purpose of this test is to check whether the available fine aggregate is suitable for concrete
works or not as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Fineness modulus and grading of fine aggregate.

Functions of sand: The functions of sand are to achieve economy by its use as adulterant in mortar, prevent
shrinkage and development of cracks in mortar, furnish strength to mortar against crushing and allow carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere to penetrate the fat lime mortars necessary for its air hardening.

Effect of gradation: The grading of fine aggregate has a great influence on workability of mortar. Very fine sand
and very coarse sand has been found to be unsatisfactory for making mortar and concrete as shown in Figure 1.
Very fine sand results in a poor mortar and is uneconomical, whereas very coarse sand produces a harsh mix
affecting workability. When well graded (consisting of particles of different sizes) the voids are diminished.

Effect of impurities: The impurities such as clay, dust and organic materials are harmful for mortar and concrete
and in any case should not exceed 4%. Of this clay is the most harmful since it coats individual sand particles
and prevent their bonding with cement consequently diminishing the strength of mortar which is further reduced
by the enhanced water requirement of mortar. The organic matters injure the hardening properties of the cement
reducing the strength and durability.
Effect of entraining air in concrete: The quantity of fine aggregate required for making concrete mix can be
reduced by entraining air.

Test Procedure:

1. Take 1kg (1000g) of fine aggregate after removing all the foreign materials.
2. Arrange all the sieves keeping the maximum size sieve at the top and gradually reduce to smallest size at the
bottom. Put the pan below the smallest sieves and put the material in the top sieve and close the top sieve
with lid.
3. Then keep the above sieves in the sieve shaker and run for 10-15minutes.
4. If sieving is done by manual means, sieve the material for at least 2 minutes in each sieve. While sieving,
shaking is done with a varied motion backward and forward, left to right, circular and anticlockwise and
with frequent jarring, so that the material is kept moving over the sieve surface in frequently changing
directions.
5. Measure the weight of the aggregate retained on each sieve.
6. Repeat the sieving at least for THREE times taking fresh sample each time.
7. Calculate the average values for THREE samples for drawing grading curve.
8. Draw the grading curve on a semi-log/normal graph sheet (sample graph as shown) by taking sieve size on
the X-axis and cumulative weight percent passing on the Y-axis. From this graph, draw your conclusions.

Observations and Calculations:

Cumulative % Cumulative
Weight Cumulative weight
Sl. Sieve weight retained % weight
retained ‘g’ retained ‘g’ Remarks
No. size (iii)= passing
(i) (ii)
(iv)=100-(iii)
1 10mm x1 x1
2. 4.75mm x2 x1+ x2
3. 2.36mm x3 x1+x2+ x3
4. 1.18mm x4 x1+x2+x3 +x4
5. 600 x5 x1+x2+ x3+ x4+ x5
6. 300 x6 x1+x2+ x3+ x4+ x5+ x6
7. 150 x7 x1+x2+ x3+ x4+ x5+ x6+ x7
8. Pan x8 -
=

Fineness Modulus =
Results and Discussions:

Conclusions:

Precautions:

1. The sample to be collected from field should be at least 60kg for coarse aggregate.
2. No material should be lost during the sieving operation and measurement should be taken carefully.
3. Rotation and jarring must be done frequently while serving to get the better results.
4. The aggregate should be free from surface moisture while sieving.

Applications/uses:
Sample: Semi-log graph