EXPERIMENT NO.

Sieve Analysis of Aggregates

Reference Standard:
ASTM C 136-84a
AASHTO T27-93
ASTM C33 / C33M-18
AASHTO T-27
Introduction

Sieving consists of shaking a sample through a stack of sieves arranged in

progressively decreasing sizes. The mass retained on each sieve is determined and the
analysis is made to produce a gradation curve that describes the particle-size
distribution in the sample.

Suitable gradation of an aggregate in a concrete mix is desirable in order to

secure workability of the mixture and economy in the use of cement. Gradation or the
distribution of the particle size can be determined by plotting the graph of the percent
finer. The range of amounts retained on the sieves may indicate well-graded, uniform-
graded, or gap-graded samples. For asphalt concrete, suitable gradation does not only
influence the workability of the mixture and economy in the use of the asphalt, but will
also affect its strength and its important properties.

Objectives:

1. To perform and learn the procedure for sieve analysis/ aggregate gradation.
2. To understand the importance of aggregate gradation to concrete and asphalt
mixes.
3. To determine particle size distribution of mass samples of fine and coarse
aggregates.

Apparatus/Material

Set of sieves Mechanical Shaker (optional)

Container Weighing Balance
4.75mm (No.4) 2.36 (No.8)
1.18mm (No.16) 600ᶣm (No.30)
150ᶣm (No.100)

Procedure:

1. Assemble the sieves in the order presented in the Table 1.

2. Obtain and prepare a representative sample according to the sample
quantities prescribed in Table 2.

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3. Dry the sample to a constant mass at a controlled temperature.

4. Place the weighed aggregate (one part at a time) on the top of the sieves stack
and cover the lid. Properly secure the sieves in the mechanical shaker and
turn on the shaker for five minutes. A mechanical shaker is recommended if
the sample weight is greater than or equal to 20 kg. In case of the absence of
mechanical shaker, shake the stack of sieves with your hands continuously at
the same time

5. Assemble the sieves in the order presented in the Table 1.

6. Obtain and prepare a representative sample according to the sample

quantities prescribed in Table 2.

7. Dry the sample to a constant mass at a controlled temperature.

8. Place the weighed aggregate (one part at a time) on the top of the sieves stack
and cover the lid. Properly secure the sieves in the mechanical shaker and
turn on the shaker for five minutes. A mechanical shaker is recommended if
the sample weight is greater than or equal to 20 kg. In case of the absence of
mechanical shaker, shake the stack of sieves with your hands continuously at
the same time.

9. Record the weights of the materials retained on each of the sieves, including
the weight retained on the pan. Use a weighing balance accurate to 0.1 g for
fine aggregates and accurate to 0.05 g for coarse aggregates. If the sums of
these weights are not within 1 percent of the original sample weight, the
procedure should be repeated. Otherwise, use the sum of the weight retained
to calculate the percentage on each sieve.

10. Continue sieving until not greater than 1.0 mas percent of the residue on any
single sieve will pass the sieve during a 1.0 minute of continuous hand
shaking.

11. Compute the cumulative percent retained and the percent of weights passing
each sieve.

12. Plot the gradation curves for the coarse and fine aggregates form the
experiment

2
Table 1
Sieve Sizes

US Standard Sieve Sizes Clear Opening (mm)

3” 75.00
2” 50.00
1
12” 37.50
1” 25.00
3
” 19.00
4
1
” 12.50
2
3
” 9.50
8
No. 4 4.75
No. 8 2.36
No. 10 2.00
Source: Marotta & Herubin (1997)

Table 2
Minimum Sample Sizes or Sieve Analysis of Coarse Aggregates

Particle Size Minimum Sample Size (kg)

3” 100
1
2 2’’ 60
2” 35
1
1 2” 15
1" 10
3
” 3
4
1
” 2
2
3
” 1
8
Source: Marotta & Herubin (1997)

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Drawing:

Observations:
Mechanical Shaker is much more convenient to use, but it takes too much time. On
the other hand, manually shaking it is really hard but it consumes less time than the
mechanical shaker.

Coarse aggregate:

Initial Weight: 5000g

Weight of Sieve with

Sieve no. Weight of Empty Weight Retained
Aggregates
Sieve (grams) (grams)
(grams)
2 in 0.537
1 ½ in 0.559 1.589 1.030
1 in 0.549 2.988 2.439
¾ in 0.558 3.013 2.455
½ in 0.547 4.023 3.476
3/8 in 0.534 2.717 2.183
No. 4 (4.75 mm) 0.515 5.401 4.886
No.8 (0.0937 in) 0.493 5.858 5.365
No.10(0.0787 in) 0.489 1.613 1.124
Pan 0.374 12.27 11.896
Total = 22.958
Data Analysis:

1. Percentage retained on each sieve:

Mass ratained on the individual sieve

% retained = x 100%
Total mass of the sample

2. Percentage passing ( finer):

Total mass−Cumulative mass retained

% passing = x 100%
Total mass of the sample

3. Coefficient of Uniformity, Cu:

D
Cu = D60
10
Where:
Cu= coefficient of uniformity

4
 D60 = particle size @ 60% finer
D10 = particle size @ 10% finer
Calculations:

1) Percentage retained on each sieve:

Column (2)
% Retained = x 100
34.854

2) Percentage passing:
34.854−Column(2)
% Passing = x 100
34.854

Coefficient uniformity:
D 3/4′′
Cu = D60 =0.0937′′ = 8
10

Results:
Initial Weight:
Final Weight:

Weight Cumulative Weight

Cumulative %
Sieve no. Retained Retained % passing
Retained
(gram) (gram)
2 in 0 0 100
1 ½ in 1.030 1.030 2.9559 97.0448
1 in 2.439 3.469 9.9529 90.0471
¾ in 2.455 5.924 16.9966 83.0034
½ in 3.476 9.4 26.9696 73.0304
3/8 in 2.183 11.583 33.2329 66.7671
No. 4 (4.75 mm) 4.886 16.469 47.2513 52.7486
No.8 ( 0.0937 in) 5.365 21.834 62.6442 37.3558
No. 10 (0.0787 in) 1.124 22.958 65.8690 34.1309
Finest 11.896 34.854 100 0

Gradation Curve:

Discussion of Results:

5
 We started to sieve manually, from the sieve no. 1.5 in. down to the pan. We
then weighed and recorded every weight retained in each sieve no.

Conclusions:
We concluded that it is much easier to sieve using the mechanical shaker, but it
is faster to sieve manually.
Determination of Fineness Modulus of Aggregates

Procedure:

1. Add the Cumulative % Retained on all of the sieves except the No. 200 (75ᶣm) and the
Pan.

2. Then divide by 100 (remember to report answer to the nearest 0.01)

3. Once this result is obtained the average size particles in a mix can be determined by
looking at the scale and placing a mark where it fits in the best. If for example the F.M. is
2.65, then you would place the mark between the No. 50 (300ᶣm) and the No. 30
(600ᶣm) sieve.

Example: average cumulative retained = 2.96

#100 #50 #30 #16 #8 #4 3/8” 3/4" etc

1 2 X 3 4 5 6 7 8

Table 1

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Maximum size Volume of dry-rodded course aggregate per unit volume of concrete

Aggregate for different fineness muduli of fine aggregates

(mm)

2.40 2.60 2.80 3.00

3/8”` 0.50 0.48 0.46 0.44

1/2” 0.59 0.57 0.55 0.53

3/4" 0.66 0.64 0.62 0.60

1” 0.71 0.69 0.67 0.65

1 1/2" 0.75 0.73 0.71 0.69

2” 0.78 0.76 0.74 0.72

3” 0.82 0.80 0.78 0.76

6” 0.87 0.85 0.83 0.81

Drawing:

Discussion of Results:
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Conclusions:

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Post-lab Questions:

1. Using the given data below plot the gradation curve and check against ASTM
requirements. Also, identify the gradation of the sample described.

Sample 1A
Sieve No. Weight Retained
(grams)
4 12
8 70
16 85
30 96
50 120
100 100
Pan 10

Sample 1B
Sieve No. (in) Weight Retained (grams)
3 500
2 860
1½ 1240
3/8 980
50 600
Pan 85

2. Determine the coefficient of curvature for samples 1a and 1b above. Infer

from the results of your calculations

3. What are the main purposes of Sieve Analysis of Aggregates?

The main purpose of sieve analysis of aggregates is to determine the particle

size distribution of the coarse and fine aggregates.

4. What is the difference between coarse and fine aggregates?

Fine aggregates are the particles that pass through 4.75mm sieve and retain
on 0.075mm sieve. Coarse aggregates are the particles that retain on 4.75mm
sieve.

8
 EXPERIMENT NO. 3

DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY AND ABSORPTION OF COARSE

AGGREGATES
Referenced Standard:
ASTM C127-88
AASHTO T85-91

Introduction
Basically, specific gravity is the ratio of the weight of a given volume of material
to the weight of an equal volume of water. The variations of the definitions of specific
gravity depend upon the material and its purpose. In concrete work the term specific
gravity customarily refers to the density of the individual particle, not to the aggregate
mass as a whole. The most common definition of specific gravity in aggregate in
concrete is specific gravity in the saturated-surface-dry condition (SSD). The bulk (oven
dry) specific gravity and apparent specific gravity are used to a lesser degree.
Absorption, according to STM C127 and C1280, is a measure of the total pore
volume accessible to water. The absorption capacity of an aggregate is determined by
finding the weight of an aggregate under the SSD condition and the oven-dry sample
weight is the absorption capacity. Course aggregate are considered to be saturated
surface dry when have been wiped fee of visible moisture film with a cloth after the
aggregates have been soaked in water for 24 hours.

Objectives:
1. To perform and understand the procedure for determining the specific
gravity and absorption of course aggregates
2. To understand the importance of SSD in determining the absorption capacity
of aggregate
3. To determine the following properties of a course aggregate sample:
a. Apparent specific gravity
b. Bulk specific gravity in the SSD condition
c. Bulk specific gravity in the oven dry condition
d. Absorption

Apparatus/Materials:
Course aggregate sample Balance sensitive to 1.0 gram
Wire mesh basket Oven
Sieve Sample container
Procedure:

9
 1. Prepare the sample of course aggregates obtained from Experiment 1. Refer
to Table 1 for prescribed quantities according to sample size. Perform the
sampling procedure of Experiment 1 if new test samples are to be tested.
2. Soak the test sample clean water for approximate 24 hrs. Specific gravity and
absorption of aggregates not oven-dried before soaking may be higher than
aggregates dried at room temperature.
3. Dry the aggregate sample to its saturated-surface-dry condition (SSD) by
wiping its surface dry using a towel.
4. After wiping its surface dry, weigh the test sample in air (B) to the
nearest 1.0 gram. Do this quickly to prevent evaporation of moisture from the
aggregate.
5. Place the weighed test sample in a wire mesh sample and dip it in water at a
temperature of 23± 1.7℃. Removed entrapped air in the aggregates by
shaking. Measure the weight of the sample in the basket while dipped in
water ( C ).
6. Removed the sample from the basket and allow to try in the oven at 110±5℃
to a constant weight (A).
7. From the values obtained above, calculate the specific gravities and
absorption of the aggregate.

Table 1
Minimum Requirements for Test Samples

Nominal Maximum Size of Aggregates Minimum Mass of Test Sample

<12.5 mm (1/2”) 2Kg
19.0 mm (3/4”) 3kg
25.0 mm (1”) 4kg
37.5 mm(1 ½) 5kg
50 mm (2”) 8kg
63 mm(2 ½) 12kg
75 mm(3”) 18kg
90 mm(3 ½) 25kg
100 mm(4”) 40kg
Source: Marotta & Ilerubin (1997)

Drawing:

10
Observations:
(Kg) (Kg) (Kg)

Quantity 1 2 3
Mass of the empty basket in air, g 0.380 0.380 0.380
Mass of the wire basket + SSD sample in air, g 1.280 1.054 1.250
Mass of the SSD sample in air, g 0.900 0.674 0.870
Mass of the basket +sample in water, g 0.500 0.400 0.450
Mass of the empty container (used for oven-drying) in air, g 0.039 0.084 0.091
Mass of the container + oven-dried sample in air, g 0.987 0.756 0.957
Mass of the oven-dried sample in air, g 0.898 0.672 0.866

Data Analysis:
1. Apparent Specific Gravity
Ga = Mo ÷ [Mo Mw]
2. Bulk Specific Gravity (SSD)
Gssd = Mssd ÷ [Mssd – Mw]

2. Bulk Specific Gravity

Gb = Mo ÷ [Mssd – Mw]
3. Absorption
A = {[Mssd – Mo] ÷ Mo} x 100%

Where:
Mo = oven-dry mass of sample
Mssd = SSD mass of sample
Mw = mass off sample in water

Results:
Aggregate: Coarse Aggregate Nominal Size: 1 inch

Measure 1 2 3
Mass of the SSD sample in air 0.900 0.674 0.870
Mass of SSD sample in water 0.500 0.400 0.450

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 Mass of oven-dried ample in air 0.898 0.672 0.866

Property Ave. value

Apparent specific gravity 2.2695
Bulk specific gravity 2.2531
Bulk specific gravity SSD 2.2604
Absorption 0.3108

Discussion of Results:
We made three trials for this experiment. After getting all the necessary data we
were able to calculate the specific gravity and absorption of the coarse aggregates.
Conclusions:
The experiment will be pointless if the sample were not able to achieve SSD and
Bulk condition.

Post-lab Questions:
1. Define hygroscopic moisture.
Hygroscopic moisture is a moisture firmly as a film on soil particles and not
responding to capillary actions.

2. A 3.0-kg sample has a moisture content of 12%. Determine its dry weight.

3. Derive the formula:

𝑀 𝐺𝑆𝑆𝐷 −1
Free Moisture: (𝑀 𝑇 ) 𝑋 ( ) − 1 M_T/M_WX G_SSD-1/G_SSD-1
𝑊 𝐺𝑆𝑆𝐷

Where:

MT = Mass of Sample in air

Mw =Mass of sample in water
GSSD = Specific gravity in the SSD Condition
EXPERIMENT NO. 4
Determination of Moisture Content of Coarse Aggregates
12
 Referenced Standard:
ASTM C566-96
AASHTO T255-92

Introduction
The amount of water in concrete mixes includes the amount of moisture
necessary to fill the voids in aggregates and to combine the concrete mix to produce a
homogeneous material. If the aggregates are absorbent, water in the mix should include
water for the cement matrix and water to coat the surface of the aggregates and to fill its
voids.
Moisture of aggregates occur in three conditions, namely: a) air dry, b)
saturated-surface dry (SSD), and c) oven-dry. In the air dry condition, the aggregate
appears dry but contains some moisture and still may be able to absorb more. In the
saturated-surface dry condition, the surface of the aggregate is dry but its voids are
completely filled with moisture. In the oven dry condition, the aggregate is totally dry in
and out.
The amount of moisture present in aggregates is useful for determining the
adequate amount of water needed for concrete batches.

Objectives:
1. To learn the procedures for determining the amount of moisture in coarse
aggregates
2. To qualify the components of evaporable moisture in aggregates
3. To calculate and compare the total evaporable moisture with surface moisture

Apparatus/Materials:
Coarse aggregate sample Balance sensitive to 1.0 gram
Oven Sieve
Sample container
Procedure:
A. Total moisture content of coarse aggregates
1. Obtain the prescribed test sample size.
2. Weigh the test sample to the nearest 1.0 gram. Due to this quickly to avoid
moisture loss.
3. Under controlled temperature, dry the sample in an oven. The sample is
completely dry when further drying would cause less than 0.1 percent
additional loss in weight.
4. Weigh the dry sample to the nearest 1.0 gram.

B. Free moisture content of coarse aggregate in the SSD condition

1. Obtain the prescribed test sample size.
2. Soak the sample for 24 hours.
13
 3. Weigh the wet sample to the nearest 1.0 gram. Avoid moisture loss.
4. Using a towel, wipe the surface dry unit it loses its shine.
5. Immediately weigh the SSD sample to the nearest 1.0 gram.

Drawing:

Observations:
Measure COARSE AGGREGATES FINE AGGREGATES
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3
Original mass of the test sample,
0.898 0.672 0.866
grams
Mass of the SSD sample, grams 0.900 0.674 0.870

Mass of the oven-dry sample, grams 0.890 0.670 0.860

Data Analysis:
1. Total Moisture Content
MC = [(Mt – Mo)/Mo] * 100%
2. Absorption
A = [(Mssd – Mo)/Mo] * 100%
3. Free Moisture or Surface Moisture

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 FM = Mt – A
Mt – Mo(1 + A/100)
= -------------------------- 100%
Mo(1 + A/100)
Where:
Mo = oven-dry mass of sample
Mssd = SSD mass of sample
Mt = original mass of test sample

Results:

Moisture Content:

0.898−0.890
1) 𝑋 100 = 0.89887
0.890

0.672−0.670
2) 𝑋 100 = 0.29851 Ave. = 0.6317
0.670

0.866−0.860
3) 𝑋 100 = 0.69767
0.860

Absorption:

0.900−0.890
1) 𝑋 100 = 1.1236
0.890

0.674−0.670
2) 𝑋 100 = 0.5970 Ave. = 0.9611
0.670

0.870−0.860
3) 𝑋 100 = 1.1628
0.860

Free Moisture:
0.898−0.890
1) 𝑋 100 = 0.89887
0.890

0.672−0.670
2) 𝑋 100 = 0.29851 Ave. = 0.6317
0.670

15
 0.866−0.860
3) 𝑋 100 = 0.69767
0.860

Discussion of Results
We made three trials for this experiment. In order to achieve the true value of
its moisture content, we thoroughly followed the procedure. And so we come up with
the average value of moisture content of 0.6317.
Conclusion:
Too much time for oven and not able to achieve SSD condition of aggregates
might have impact for the exact value of moisture content. We concluded that it is
necessary to follow the procedure accurately in order to get the exact amount of
moisture content.
Post-lab Questions:
1. Determine the bulk specific gravity, bulk specific gravity in the SSD condition, the
apparent specific gravity and percentage absorption of a sample with the
following data:
SSD weight of sample in air = 3.6 kg
Submerged mass of sample = 1.2 kg
Oven-dry mass of sample = 2.8 kg

Specific Gravity (Gb) = Mo / (Mssd – Mw)

2.8
=
3.6−1.2
= 1.1667

Bulk Specific Gravity SSD ( Gssd ) = Mssd / (Mssd – Mw )

3.6
=
3.6−1.2
= 1.5
Apparent Specific Gravity ( Ga ) = Mo / (Mo – Mw )
2.8
=
2.8−1.2
= 1.75
Percentage Absorption ( A ) = {[Mssd – Mo] / Mo} X 100
3.6−2.8
= 𝑋 100
2.8
= 28.57%

16
2. Will the immersion of the aggregates in water saturated its voids? Explain
briefly.
Yes, because the aggregates may contain water-permeable voids, so two measure
of specific gravity of aggregates are used: apparent specific gravity and bulk
specific gravity.

3. Discuss briefly the significance and use of the specific gravity and absorption of
the aggregates.

The specific gravity and water absorption of aggregates are important properties
that are required for the design of concrete and bituminous mixes.

17