PROCEDURE:

Sieve analysis is a systematic process used to determine the grain size

distribution of sand and gravel samples. This critical approach has applications in a
variety of domains, including geotechnical engineering, construction material evaluation,
and sediment movement research.
The main premise of this system is based on sieves, specifically a nested series
with progressively lower mesh widths. We collect a representative quantity of dry sand
and gravel (about 2 kilogram). Then we select a collection of sieves with apertures that
meet the precise criterion we are following. These typically range from 4.75 mm to 0.75
mm. We meticulously clean and weigh every empty sieve and pan. We arrange the
sieves, with the largest hole on top and the pan on the bottom. The top sieve is then
filled with a representative sample of sand and gravel that has been dried and prepared
in accordance with recognized criteria. Manual sieving is then carried out to efficiently
separate particles larger than the mesh opening from those smaller. The retained
material on each sieve is weighed and recorded, providing data for further investigation.
This procedure continues throughout the sieve stack, capturing the particle size
distribution across the sample.
The resulting findings are usually displayed as a cumulative curve, where we plot
the percentage of material finer than each sieve size. This curve clearly illustrates the
sample's grading, providing important information about its textural properties and
applicability for various applications. By evaluating the curve and applying established
criteria, we may determine if the sand or gravel is well-graded, poorly graded, or gap-
graded, each having its own engineering behavior and performance implications.