Civil Engineering Materials 2k13

EXPERIMENT # 02
PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION OF COARSE AGGREGATES.

2.1 Designation
ASTM C 136-01

2.2 Scope
This test method covers the determination of the particle size distribution of coarse
aggregates by sieving.

2.3 Apparatus
Balances, Sieves of different sizes, Oven

Fig 2.1 Sieves of different sizes

2.4 Materials
Coarse aggregates
2.5 Important Definitions
a) Sieve Number or Sieve Size:
Number of perforations per linear inch (OR) Linear Dimension of each perforation

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b) Gradation:
The distribution of particles sizes within the total range of sizes, can be identified on a
graphs as:

Fig 2.2 Well graded Fig 2.3 Uniform Graded

Fig 2.4 Gap graded

Table 2.1: ASTM Classification of Materials

Sr. No. Size Material Description

1 >300mm Boulder
2 300- 75mm Cobbles
3 75 -4.75mm Gravel
4 75-19 mm Coarse Gravel
5 19mm to 4.75mm Fine Gravel
6 4.75 – 2.0mm Coarse Sand
7 2.0-0.425mm Medium Sand
8 0.425-0.075mm Fine Sand
9 0.075to 0.005mm Silt
10 0.005 to 0.001 mm Clay
11 <0.001 mm Clay Colloids

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2.6 Procedure
1. Take about 3kg of coarse aggregates sample, dry the sample to constant mass at a
temperature of 110 ± 5°C.
2. Carefully check all the sieves and remove any particle sticking to the sieve mesh.
3. Sieves are arranged in the descending order of their sizes with a pan at bottom.
4. The sieving operation shall be conducted by lateral and vertical motion of the sieves
so as to keep the sample continuously moving over the sieve by hand.
5. Sieving shall be continued until not more than 1% by mass of the residue passes any
sieve during 60 seconds.

2.7 Calculation
Total weight of Sample =3000g (3kg)

%age passing = ×100

Table 2.2: Observations of sieve analysis

Sieve Size (mm) Weight Retained (gm) Weight Passed (gm) Percentage Passing
40
25
20
10
5
Pan

2.8 Graph
Plot graph between sieve size on x axis and percentage passing on y axis.

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2.9 Precautions
1. Check each and every sieve so that there should be no particle sticking to sieve mesh.
2. Sieves must be shaken vertically as well as horizontally.
3. Sieves should be shaken for 4 to 5 minutes.
4. Aggregate is collected such that there is no impurity present in it.
5. Carefully weigh the mass retained on all the sieves.
6. Sieves should be arranged in descending order (40mm sieve is at the top and 5mm
sieve is at bottom)

2.10 Conclusions / Remarks

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