BLENDING OF

AGGREGATES
Warning: If your mind hasnt yet blended
with Gradation of Aggregates (posted on
the instructors website) then youll probably
struggle with this presentation. You should
also have Assignment 1 Example at the
ready.

What is asphalt concrete?

Not all the asphalt cement

Basically,
its just
ends
up coating
the aggregate
aggregate
particles
coated with
asphalt cement
some
is absorbed
into
and
then compacted.
the water-permeable
There are 3 basic elements to
voids within the
the compacted mix
aggregate particles.
1. Aggregate Particles
2. Asphalt Cement
3. Air Voids

Voids in VMA
the Mineral
Aggregate
If
The
Theres
Well,
we
This
Of
Firstly,
space

removed
whatthe
Volatile
diagram
VMA
Voluptuous
stone,
In
occupied
heres

mathematical
is
Are
all
Mercenaries
so
and
one
shows
Virile
the
whats
you
Any
asand
Mamas
by
of
representation
asphalt
athe
help?
Mens
member?
particles
it mix
most
asphalt
mean?
terms
of
ofcement
Association?
America?
Alberta?
without
important
all
cement
of
coated
but
athethe
and
the
aggregate
aggregatetheres
with
airproperties
voids
asphalt
(not
stayed
compacted
cement
of
including
put
anjust
asphalt
and
it
paving
would
the
the
theres
asphalt
asphalt
paving
mix.
looka like
few
mix.
cement
cement
this:
air
absorbed)
voids
is voids
(the
and in
white
airthe
voids
spaces).
mineral
.
aggregate.
Vvma
VMA
100%
Vmb
Vvma = Va + Vbe
Vvma is the Volume of Voids in the Mineral
Aggregate
Vmb is the Bulk Volume of the Mix
Va is the Volume of Air Voids in the Mix
Vbe is the Effective Volume of Asphalt Cement in the Mix

VMA and Dense Graded Aggregate

Oncegraded
the mixmixes
has
been
compacted
tooffer
its
Densely
Mathematically,
Fuller
are
Grading
going
to
Curves
offer
the
densest
statedensity
then
nowhere
for
greatest
the
maximum
resistance
totheres
loads
and minimum
because
voids:
they
minimize
particles
the
tovoid
go when
spacesubjected
and therefore
to traffic.
the
movement paths within the mix.

pi

di
100%
D

where pi = total % passing sieve size i

di = width of opening of sieve size i
D = largest size (sieve opening) in
gradation

VMA and Dense Graded Aggregate

The
These
This
Notice
But
goal
allows
can
why
is
that
to
be
would
for
blend
the
used
a we
reduction
High
to
the
want
set
Spec
stock
grading
toin
is
increase
aggregates
the
above
limits
number
the
the
(specs)
to

voids?
ofproduce
Fuller
finer
as
When plotted they look like this:
sizes
a with
which
blendthe
that
Curve
willred
infalls
below
turn
andbetween
green
allow
the #8
an
dashed
the
increase
sieve
two
curves.
limits
in voids

VMA and Dense Graded Aggregate

Experience has shown that asphalt mixes need
to have between 3% and 5% air voids
This is a compromise between stability (lower
with higher voids) and durability.
If the voids are too low, then asphalt cement
can bleed to the surface in hot weather.
Its analogous to Portland Cement Concrete and
air entraining to match exposure to the
environment.
So minimum VMA values are specified for
different Nominal Maximum Particle Sizes

Blending Stock Aggregates

Normally, aggregate stocks come from
different sources:
1. stone comes from crushed bedrock,
2. sand comes from natural deposits,
3. mineral filler comes from the bottom of the
crusher (dust)
1.
2.

There are two basic approaches:

Simultaneous equations (used on Assignment 1)
Trial and Error (spreadsheet, used for lab)

Assignment 1 Example

Two questions using simultaneous equations.

1. Produce a blend of the given aggregates that results in 28.0% passing the
0.6 mm sieve.
MATERIAL

%
Used

25.4

Cyclone A 47.49% 100.0%

Crushed
Newmarket 50.51% 100.0%
Sand
DFC DUST
2.0% 100.0%

19.0

16.0

12.7

9.5

4.75

100.0%

2.36

1.18

0.600

0.300

0.150

0.075

100.0%

90.0%

59.0%

16.0%

3.2%

2.0%

0.5%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

96.0%

82.0%

73.0%

51.0%

36.0%

21.0%

9.2%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

The proportion of dust is set at 2 %.

The
second
The
condition
condition
is
that
all
is
for
the
the
proportions
mm
sieve.
must
sum
When
Let
Multiply
C Therefore,
we
be
apply
the
equation
fraction
theC proportions
=2given
100%
of
by Cyclone
0.005
- 50.51%
to
then
Afind
Crushed
-0.6
subtract
2%
the
=percent
47.49%
and
2 from
N be
passing
the
1 to 1:
the 0.6
fraction
mm sieve
of Newmarket
for the blend,
Sand
we. get:
1

0.005C + 0.51
NN+ =1.00(.02)
= 0.28
0.51
0.26

0.005C + 0.005
+
N
N +==0.02
0.98
0.0049
= 1.0

or

(0.51 -(0.505)
0.005)N
N
0.2551
0.26 - 0.0049
50.51%
N ===0.505149

Assignment 1 Example: Q 1 Contd

Now for the blended gradation

MATERIAL
Cyclone A
Crushed
Newmarket
Sand
DFC DUST

%
Used

25.4

19.0

16.0

47.49% 100.0%

100.0%

50.51% 100.0%
2.0%

12.7

9.5

4.75

100.0%

90.0%

59.0%

16.0%

3.2%

2.0%

0.5%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

96.0%

82.0%

73.0%

51.0%

36.0%

21.0%

9.2%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

25.4

19.0

16.0

12.7

9.5

BLEND: 100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

95.3%

80.5%

100.0%

SIEVE SIZE (mm):

SPECIFICATION

2.36

4.75
58.1%

1.18

0.600

0.300

2.36

1.18

0.600

0.300

44.9%

39.8%

28.0%

20.2%

0.150

0.150
12.6

0.075

0.075
6.6%

Low:

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

80.0%

70.0%

50.0%

35.0%

25.0% 18.0% 13.0%

8.0%

4.0%

High:

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

90.0%

70.0%

50.0%

40.0% 29.0% 23.0%

16.0%

10.0%

TARGET:

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

90.0%

80.0%

60.0%

42.5%

32.5% 23.5% 18.0%

12.0%

7.0%

Before
This
Thats
is we
the
the
start
percent
onetoallcrank
passing
right!off
So
the
the
were
0.6
blend,
mm
good
sieve
lets
to go.
check
given
the
condition
finding
1.otherPsizes
0.6
Now we
doproportions
thefor
same
for by
all the
PPPP9.5
P4.75
====0.4749x59.0%
==0.4749x0.5%
0.4749x16.0%
0.4749x0.0%
0.4749x2.0%
0.4749x3.2%
0.4749x90.0%+0.5051x100.0%+0.02x100.0%
0.4749x0.0%
+++++0.5051x51.0%
0.5051x100.0%
0.5051x36.0%
0.5051x73.0%
0.5051x82.0%
0.5051x21.0%
+0.02x100.0%
0.02x100.0%
0.02x100.0%
====27.9976%
===20.184%
39.822%
44.938%
95.251%
12.607%
58.088%
80.529%
100.0%
=0.4749x100.0%+0.5051x100.0%+0.02x100.0%
0.4749x0.0%
+0.5051x96.0%
0.5051x9.2%++++0.02x100.0%
6.647%
PP
0.02x100.0%
0.4749x100.0%+0.5051x100.0%+0.02x100.0%
100.0%
2.36
0.6
0.150
1.18
16.0
12.7
0.3
25.4
19.0
0.075
PPPP0.150

20.2%
28.0%
39.8%
95.3%
44.9%
58.1%
12.6%
6.6%

80.5%
2.36
12.7
4.75
1.18
9.5
0.3
0.6
0.075

Assignment 1 Example: Q1 Finale

MATERIAL
Cyclone A
Crushed
Newmarket
Sand
DFC DUST

%
Used

25.4

19.0

16.0

12.7

9.5

4.75

47.49% 100.0%

100.0%

50.51% 100.0%
2.0% 100.0%

100.0%

90.0%

59.0%

16.0%

3.2%

2.0%

0.5%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

96.0%

82.0%

73.0%

51.0%

36.0%

21.0%

9.2%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

9.5

4.75

2.36

CUMULATIVE WEIGHT
Cyclone A Crushed 47.49% (% USED)
Newmarket Sand
DFC DUST

50.51%

2.0

19.0

16.0

12.7

2.36

1.18

0.600

Passing
2.36
574.63

0
0

57.5

235.6

482.7

24.4

556.2
110.0

(% USED) 0

24.2

57.5

235.6 507.1

666.2

1210

(% USED)

Total Specimen Mass (g):

1210 0

611.17

Now,
how
much
Newmarket
Sand
will
be
used?
The
Now
final
for
the
step(s)
other
isused
to
Newmarket
determine
Sand
the
mass
masses:
of
These
Since
Any
We
The
can
And,
First,
sizes
table
Now
were
Applying
values
check
how
for
with
above
how
using
represent
much
the
these
this
much
100%
is
%other
formula
of
DFC
Cyclone
numbers
passing
total
the
Cyclone
to
Dust
cumulative
weigh
to
mix,
will
Awill
by
each
will
A
we
retain
summing
out
be
masses:
be
%AC:
have
used?
and
used?
none
to
blend
over
(the
use
mass
asphalt
cement
required
for
the
6
ascale
the
of
bit
each
the
sieved
of
reading)
size
material.
algebra.
stock
andafter
calculating
(Ifor
Hence
wont
adding
individual
tell
0 the
gthe
are
anyone
%
1210
required
recorded
passing
if
g asphalt
specimens.
youmass
which
for
dont.)
of
contents
listed.
should
agree
each
with
these
stock
the
sizes.
sieve
blend
Let the
Mass
ofall
AC
required
=size
Mgradation
b and Pb = %AC

0.300

% AC

0.150

0.075

Weight

4.3%

(g)
54.4

4.8%

61.0

5.3%

67.7

5.8%

74.5

6.3%

81.4

6.8%

88.3

For
The
The
The
The
Foralast
4.75
2.36
12.7
4.75
aspecimen
9.5
PPPspecimen
P2.36
P4.75
column
mm
mm
===100%x(1.00
=100%x(1.00
100%x(1.00
sieve
100%x(1.00
sieve
sieve
with
should
with
will
will
will
1210
1210
retain
(and
retain
retain
g235.6/1210)
57.5/1210)
666.2/1210)
507.1/1210)
0/1210)
gof
0/1210)
does)
of
100
aggregate
100
100
aggregate
sum
=59
=90
16
82
3.2
96
100.0%
100.0%
==to
or
or
=or
=95.25%
or
80.5%
we
44.9%
58.1%
the
41%
84%
10%
18%
we
4%
96.8%
need
(100.0%)
(100.0%)
need
of
of
(80.5%)
(58.1%)
(95.3%)
(44.9%)
the
2%
the
of
47.49%
50.51%
the
of
mass
mass
1210
mass
of
M
4.3
6.3
4.8
sieve
will
retain
100
or
or
of
the
mass
of
ofg
5.8
6.8
mm
p
pbof
5.3

12.7
9.5
19.0
16.0

bmm
b
p
100%
449321)
54.4
Mbbb
6723586)
504202)

61.0
81.4 Mb 1
(1210)
615711)
729614)
74.5
88.3
(1210)
A
(1210)(0.0
559662)
67.7
all

Newmarket
total
1210
of
Cyclone
Cyclone
Cyclone
1210
g
specimen
of
g
of
A
A
Sand
for
used:
Newmarket
used:
all
used:
mass
DFC
Cyclone
used:
0.84
0.41
0.968
0.10
Dust
(1210
0.04
0.18
x
A
x
Sand
=
574.63
x
g)
sizes
574.63
24.2
574.63
x
x
sizes
611.17
611.17
=
g
=
574.63
=
235.6
482.7
=
57.5
=
=
556.2
611.17
110.0
24.4
g
g
g
g
g
=
g
1210 100
Mb- 5.8
4.3
6.3
4.8
6.8
100%
100%
5.3

pb
(1210 Mb ) Mb
100%

pb

Mb (1210)

100% - pb

Assignment 1 Example : Q 2

2. Produce a blend of the given aggregates that results in 74.0% passing the
9.5 mm sieve and 61.0% passing the 2.36 mm sieve.
MATERIAL
Gumshoe
Gold
Saltwater
Sludge
H's Donut
Crumbs

%
Used

25.4

19.0

16.0

12.7

9.5

4.75

2.36

1.18

0.600

0.300

0.150

0.075

39.21% 100.0%

100.0%

98.0%

79.0%

34.0%

9.0%

2.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

98.0%

89.0%

67.0%

48.0%

21.0%

8.0%

1.5%

1.0%

0.0%

59.69% 100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

53.0%

26.0%

5.0%

2.0%

1.10%

Let G be the fraction of Gumshoe Gold, S be the fraction of

The
Thethird
conditions
condition
Applying
The
given
is
second
the
are
that
first
for
all
condition
the
the
condition
9.5
proportions
for
mmfor
P&2.36
2.36
P:9.5must
: mmsum
sieves.
to 1:
Saltwater Sludge and H be the fraction of Homers Donut
Crumbs.
1
0.34G + 0.89S + H = 0.74
0.02G + 0.48S + H = 0.61
2
3
G + S + H = 1.00

for instructions,
http://math.mohawkcollege.ca/calc.asp
Using the visit
Sharp
EL546W Calculator, Mode 21:
G = 0.392098555 39.21%

S = 0.011045029 1.10%

and H = 0.596856414% 59.69%

Assignment 1 Example: Q 2 Contd

Now for the blended gradation

MATERIAL
Gumshoe
Gold
Saltwater
Sludge
H's Donut
Crumbs

%
Used

25.4

16.0

12.7

9.5

100.0%

98.0%

79.0%

34.0%

9.0%

2.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

98.0%

89.0%

67.0%

48.0%

21.0%

8.0%

1.5%

1.0%

0.0%

59.69% 100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

53.0%

26.0%

5.0%

2.0%

25.4

19.0

16.0

12.7

BLEND: 100.0%

100.0%

39.21% 100.0%
1.10%

SIEVE SIZE (mm):

SPECIFICATION

19.0

99.2%

91.7%

4.75

2.36

9.5

4.75

74.0%

64.0%

1.18

2.36
61.0%

0.600

0.300

1.18

0.600

0.300

59.9%

31.7%

15.5%

0.150

0.150
3.0

0.075

0.075
1.2%

Low:

100.0%

100.0%

90.0%

75.0%

65.0%

55.0%

40.0%

28.0% 15.0%

5.0%

2.0%

0.0%

High:

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

95.0%

85.0%

75.0%

70.0%

60.0% 35.0% 23.0%

12.0%

5.0%

TARGET:

100.0%

100.0%

95.0%

85.0%

75.0%

65.0%

55.0%

44.0% 25.0% 14.0%

7.0%

2.5%

BeforeNow
we
Gotwe
start
em
both!
to same
crank
Sofor
were
off
good
blend,
tosizes
go.
lets check
do the
all the
the
other
the proportions by finding P9.5 and P2.36
=0.3921x98.0%
0.0110x8.0%
0.0110x1.0%
0.5969x5.0%
2.9955%
P=1.18
P0.6
=0.3921x0.0%
0.3921x100%
0.3921x100%
++0.0110x98.0%
0.0110x100.0%
0.0110x100%
+0.5969x100%
0.5969x100%
=31.7237%
=100%
100%
PPP9.5
P16.0
PPP
==19.0
0.3921x34.0%
===0.3921x9.0%
0.3921x0.0%
0.3921x79.0%
=
0.3921x2.0%
0.3921x0.0%
++++0.0110x67.0%
0.0110x48.0%
+0.0110x100%
0.0110x21.0%
0.0110x0.0%
+++++0.5969x26.0%
+0.5969x100.0%
0.57969x100%
++0.5969x100.0%
0.5969x100%
0.5969x2.0%
0.5969x100
======91.7439%
=15.5359%
1.1938%
59.921%
=63.9559%
74.0004%
99.2158%
61.0022%
P0.3
++0.0110x1.5%
+0.0110x89.0%
+0.5969x100.0%
+0.5969x53.0%
0.150
25.4
4.75
12.7
2.36
0.075

31.7%
3.0%
PPPP4.75
P12.7

59.9%
64.0%
15.5%
91.7%
99.2%
1.2%
61.0%

74.0%
0.150
0.6
1.18
9.5
0.075
16.0
0.3
2.36

Assignment 1 Example: Q2 Finale

MATERIAL
Gumshoe
Gold
Saltwater
Sludge
H's Donut
Crumbs

%
Used

25.4

19.0

16.0

12.7

9.5

4.75

2.36

1.18

0.600

0.300

0.150

0.075

39.21% 100.0%

100.0%

98.0%

79.0%

34.0%

9.0%

2.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

1.10% 100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

98.0%

89.0%

67.0%

48.0%

21.0%

8.0%

1.5%

1.0%

0.0%

59.69% 100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

53.0%

26.0%

5.0%

2.0%

9.5

4.75

2.36

CUMULATIVE WEIGHT
Gumshoe Gold

39.21% (% USED) 0

1.10% (% USED) 0
Homer's Donut Crumbs 59.69% (% USED) 0
Saltwater Sludge

Total Specimen Mass (g):

9.4

98.8

310.5

428.2

461.1

Passing
2.36
470.5

1.5

4.4

6.9

13.2

0.3
0

9.4

98. 8

312.0

19.0

1200 0

16.0

12.7

432.6

468.0

% AC

Weight

5.0%

(g)
63.2

716.3

5.5%

69.8

1200

6.0%

76.6

6.5%

83.4

7.0%

90.3

7.5%

97.3

Now,
how
much
Saltwater
Sludge
will
be
used?
Applying
this
formula
to
each
%AC:
Since
The
Now
Now
final
were
for
for
the
step(s)
using
the
other
other
%is
of
to
Saltwater
total
Gumshoe
determine
mix,
Sludge
Gold
we
the
have
masses:
mass
masses:
to
of
use
The
First,
table
how
above
much
is
Gumshoe
used
toCrumbs
weigh
Gold
will
out
be
and
used?
blend
How
Any
sizes
much
with
Homers
100%
Donut
passing
will
retain
none
will
be
used?
athe
bit
asphalt
of material.
algebra.
cement
required
wont
tell
anyone
the
6if
you dont.)
sieved
stock(I
for
individual
1200
g asphalt
specimens.
of
the
Hence
0 gfor
are
recorded
for
contents
listed.
these
sizes.
Let the Mass ofall
AC
required
= Mb and Pb = %AC

M
pb
pb
7.0
6.0
7.5

b 6.5
5.0
5.5
p

100%
M

(1200)

(1200)(0.0
695187)
752688)
810811)
638298)

97.3
83.4
76.6
90.3
(1200)

M
1

the
MThe
(1200)
526316)
582011)
69.8
63.2
mm
will
The
For
For
For
We
last
4.75
a2.36
a12.7
9.5
acan
4.75
16.0
9.5
Pspecimen
Pspecimen
Pspecimen
P4.75
P2.36
column
mm
mm
check
=mm
====100%x(1.00
100%x(1.00
100%x(1.00
sieve
100%x(1.00
sieve
100%x(1.00
sieve
sieve
these
with
should
with
with
will
will
will
1200
1200
1200
numbers
retain
retain
(and
retain
retain
312.0/1200)
432.6/1200)
468.0/1200)
0.0/1200)
gg
98.8/1200)
g9.4/1200)
does)
of
of
of
100
100
100
100
by
aggregate
aggregate
aggregate
summing
sum
89
34
67
79
2.0
48
98
9==or
or
to
=
100.0%
=or
99.2%
=or
74.0%
91.8%
11%
64.0%
91%
66%
the
61.0%
33%
21%
we
52%
we
2%
we
98.0%
over
need
of
need
need
of
of
(99.2%)
of
(100.0%)
of
(91.8%)
(74.0%)
(64.0%)
(61.0%)
the
the
the
of
the
59.69%
39.21%
1.10%
mass
the
mass
mass
mass
mass
of
of
of
of
of
The
The
The
mm
sieve
will
retain
100
or
=or
of
the
mass
mass
of
of
of
b
b
98
2%
b
of
the
mass
of
9.5
19.0
12.7
16.0
These
values
represent
the
cumulative
mass
(the
1200

M
7.0
6.0
7.5
100%
100 --b6.5
5.0
5.5
100
gggg g 100%

each1200
size
of
total
1200
Gumshoe
Gumshoe
Saltwater
1200
Gumshoe
Gumshoe
Gumshoe
g
and
of
specimen
g
g
of
calculating
all
of
all
Gold
Gold
Homers
Gold
Gold
all
Sludge
Gold
Saltwater
Gumshoe
mass
used:
used:
used:
used:
used:
the
used:
Donut
(1200
0.91
0.66
0.21
%
0.02
0.98
Sludge
Gold
passing
0.11
0.33
0.52
Crumb
x
g)
x
x
470.5
x
sizes
470.5
470.5
x
470.5
x
sizes
13.2
13.2
sizes
which
=
=
=
=
470.5
428.2
=
=
310.5
=
98.8
9.4
13.2
1.5
461.1
=
4.4
6.9
716.3
g
Saltwater
Sludge
used:
x
470.5
x
13.2
=
=
g
Saltwater
Sludge
used:
0.02
0.3
x
13.2
scale
reading) after adding the required mass of

pb
pb should
agree
with
the
blend
gradation

(1200)
(1200 each
Mb )
Mb sieve size
b
100% - p
stock
b

100%

Trial and Error

Before the third lab, each group must
perform its blending calculations.
The first priority is making sure your sieve
results are reasonable.
If youve mixed up any sizes, even if you have
a sieving error of 0%, youll still be using
garbage for data.

The instructor will provide you with a set

that is free of calculation errors, based on
the data you submitted after you submit
the report for the first lab.

Trial and Error

The
The gradation
stock
numbers
proportions
shown
of theare
blended
are
forfound
illustration
aggregate
by multiplying
only
is found
(they
each
bywerent
adding
sieve

The
The
gradation
stock
numbers
proportions
shown
of
the
are
blended
are
for
found
illustration
aggregate
by
multiplying
is
each
byblend
werent
sieve
These
The
last
are
The
column
the
P trial
isshows
calculated
proportions
the
percent
(100
for
CA
error
P only
(Pfound
Pif
)(they
&)the
FA
(Padding
).
Where
does
the
2.7%
come
from?
The
error
in
92.7%
- 90%
= 2.7%
the
result
proportions
by that
the
trial
great)
of is
the
proportion.
materials:
percent
passing
is Poutside
the
spec
range
3/8

Where
does
the
2.7%
come
MF
CAfrom?
CA FA
FA
section
is
for
the
sieve
sizes
and
specs.
OnceThis
This
section
is
for
your
sieve
analysis
results.
you have a decent set of data, start an

Excel spreadsheet
the
following
Eg.:using
Eg.:
50.4%
44.3%
4.1%
2.0%
= 4.1%
==100%
7.8%
96.3%
+ 44.3%
xx 0.520
0.020
xformat:
0.460
+ 2.0%
Percent Passing
Sieve Size

Spec Limits

Size
Opening Lower
Designation
(mm)
Limit

Upper
Limit

Stock Proportions

Sieve Analysis Results

CA

FA

MF

52.0

46.0

2.0

CA

FA

MF

Blended
Aggregate

% Out
of Spec
Total
2.7%

3/4"

19.1

100%

100%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0% 52.0%

46.0%

2.0%

100.0%

0.00%

1/2"

12.7

98%

100%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0% 52.0%

46.0%

2.0%

100.0%

0.00%

3/8"

9.52

75%

90%

86.0%

100.0%

100.0% 44.7%

46.0%

2.0%

92.7%

2.70%

#4

4.76

50%

60%

7.8%

96.3%

100.0% 4.1%

44.3%

2.0%

50.4%

0.00%

#8

2.38

36%

60%

1.1%

88.9%

100.0% 0.6%

40.9%

2.0%

43.5%

0.00%

#16

1.19

25%

58%

0.8%

80.7%

99.9% 0.4%

37.1%

2.0%

39.5%

0.00%

#30

0.59

16%

45%

0.5%

61.1%

99.6% 0.3%

28.1%

2.0%

30.4%

0.00%

#50

0.297

7%

26%

0.4%

30.4%

98.3% 0.2%

14.0%

2.0%

16.2%

0.00%

#100

0.149

3%

10%

0.4%

11.4%

88.2% 0.2%

5.2%

1.8%

7.2%

0.00%

#200

0.074

0%

5%

0.4%

5.4%

57.5% 0.2%

2.5%

1.2%

3.8%

0.00%

Trial and Error

What
Of course
would
a

it
grading
look like
plotbefore
makesspecifying
the numbers
P CA
easier
and PFAto
? understand:
Percent Passing
Sieve Size

Spec Limits

Size
Opening Lower
Designation
(mm)
Limit

Upper
Limit

Stock Proportions

Sieve Analysis Results

CA

FA

MF

52.0

46.0

2.0

CA

FA

MF

Blended
Aggregate

% Out
of Spec
Total
2.7%

3/4"

19.1

100%

100%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0% 52.0%

46.0%

2.0%

100.0%

0.00%

1/2"

12.7

98%

100%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0% 52.0%

46.0%

2.0%

100.0%

0.00%

3/8"

9.52

75%

90%

86.0%

100.0%

100.0% 44.7%

46.0%

2.0%

92.7%

2.70%

#4

4.76

50%

60%

7.8%

96.3%

100.0% 4.1%

44.3%

2.0%

50.4%

0.00%

#8

2.38

36%

60%

1.1%

88.9%

100.0% 0.6%

40.9%

2.0%

43.5%

0.00%

#16

1.19

25%

58%

0.8%

80.7%

99.9% 0.4%

37.1%

2.0%

39.5%

0.00%

#30

0.59

16%

45%

0.5%

61.1%

99.6% 0.3%

28.1%

2.0%

30.4%

0.00%

#50

0.297

7%

26%

0.4%

30.4%

98.3% 0.2%

14.0%

2.0%

16.2%

0.00%

#100

0.149

3%

10%

0.4%

11.4%

88.2% 0.2%

5.2%

1.8%

7.2%

0.00%

#200

0.074

0%

5%

0.4%

5.4%

57.5% 0.2%

2.5%

1.2%

3.8%

0.00%

Trial and Error

Typically
If
you youre
specified
100%
CAat
youd
seeagrading
the
CA
grading
curve,
youd
set
the
PMFthe
to
reasonable
number
What
Now
would
looking
it
look
like
before
specifying
curve
for
P or
CA

100%4%
FA)would
get you
the
FA
grading
curve
(say
and
set
P
=
P
(=
say
48%
)
the
filler
CA (P MF
FA = 100%)
and mineral
PFA?
Percent Passing
Sieve Size

Spec Limits

Size
Opening Lower
Designation
(mm)
Limit

Upper
Limit

Stock Proportions

Sieve Analysis Results

CA

FA

MF

100.0

CA

FA

MF

Blended
Aggregate

% Out
of Spec
Total
390%

3/4"

19.1

100%

100%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

100.0% 0.0%

1/2"

12.7

98%

100%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

100.0% 0.0%

3/8"

9.52

75%

90%

86.0%

100.0%

100.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

100.0% 10.0%

#4

4.76

50%

60%

7.8%

96.3%

100.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

100.0% 40.0%

#8

2.38

36%

60%

1.1%

88.9%

100.0%

0.0%

0.0%

100.0%

100.0% 40.0%

#16

1.19

25%

58%

0.8%

80.7%

99.9%

0.0%

0.0%

99.9%

99.9% 41.9%

#30

0.59

16%

45%

0.5%

61.1%

99.6%

0.0%

0.0%

99.6%

99.6% 54.6%

#50

0.297

7%

26%

0.4%

30.4%

98.3%

0.0%

0.0%

98.3%

98.3% 72.3%

#100

0.149

3%

10%

0.4%

11.4%

88.2%

0.0%

0.0%

88.2%

88.2% 78.2%

#200

0.074

0%

5%

0.4%

5.4%

57.5%

0.0%

0.0%

57.5%

57.5% 52.5%

Trial and Error

Typically
This curve youd
is a bitset
too the
far to
P

the
end indicating
that
tofine
a reasonable
number
more 4%
coarse
is needed
fine:
try
4%
more CA and 2%
(say
) and
set PCAand
= Pless
(=
say
48%
)
less FA to drop the No 200FAto about midrange
MF

Percent Passing

Sieve Size

Spec Limits

Size
Opening Lower
Designation
(mm)
Limit

Upper
Limit

Sieve Analysis Results

CA

FA

MF

Stock Proportions
48.0

48.0

4.0

CA

FA

MF

Blended
Aggregate

% Out
of Spec
Total
3.4%

3/4"

19.1

100%

100%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0% 48.0%

48.0%

4.0%

100.0%

0.0%

1/2"

12.7

98%

100%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0% 48.0%

48.0%

4.0%

100.0%

0.0%

3/8"

9.52

75%

90%

86.0%

100.0%

100.0% 41.3%

48.0%

4.0%

93.3%

3.3%

#4

4.76

50%

60%

7.8%

96.3%

100.0% 3.7%

46.2%

4.0%

54.0%

0.0%

#8

2.38

36%

60%

1.1%

88.9%

100.0% 0.5%

42.7%

4.0%

47.2%

0.0%

#16

1.19

25%

58%

0.8%

80.7%

99.9% 0.4%

38.7%

4.0%

43.1%

0.0%

#30

0.59

16%

45%

0.5%

61.1%

99.6% 0.2%

29.3%

4.0%

33.6%

0.0%

#50

0.297

7%

26%

0.4%

30.4%

98.3% 0.2%

14.6%

3.9%

18.7%

0.0%

#100

0.149

3%

10%

0.4%

11.4%

88.2% 0.2%

5.5%

3.5%

9.2%

0.0%

#200

0.074

0%

5%

0.4%

5.4%

57.5% 0.2%

2.6%

2.3%

5.1%

0.1%

Trial and Error

In
Adding
After
thisainstance
more
bit more
coarse
the
tinkering
CA
would
P drop
the
is too
error
theclose
curve
on to
the
below
the
3/8
upper
the
sieve
lower
spec
could

and

the final gradation curve...

3/8

spec
be
for
reduced
the
below
4 sieve
2.7%
but
. more
This
was
coarse
the
would
best the
Ibe
could
needed
not
a coarser
CANo.
(1/2)
would
be
required
to meet
specdo.
get the curve below the high limit for the 3/8 sieve

to

Percent Passing

Sieve Size

Spec Limits

Size
Opening Lower
Designation
(mm)
Limit

Upper
Limit

Stock Proportions

Sieve Analysis Results

CA

FA

MF

52.0

46.0

2.0

CA

FA

MF

Blended
Aggregate

% Out
of Spec
Total
2.7%

3/4"

19.1

100%

100%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0% 52.0%

46.0%

2.0%

100.0%

0.00%

1/2"

12.7

98%

100%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0% 52.0%

46.0%

2.0%

100.0%

0.00%

3/8"

9.52

75%

90%

86.0%

100.0%

100.0% 44.7%

46.0%

2.0%

92.7%

2.70%

#4

4.76

50%

60%

7.8%

96.3%

100.0% 4.1%

44.3%

2.0%

50.4%

0.00%

#8

2.38

36%

60%

1.1%

88.9%

100.0% 0.6%

40.9%

2.0%

43.5%

0.00%

#16

1.19

25%

58%

0.8%

80.7%

99.9% 0.4%

37.1%

2.0%

39.5%

0.00%

#30

0.59

16%

45%

0.5%

61.1%

99.6% 0.3%

28.1%

2.0%

30.4%

0.00%

#50

0.297

7%

26%

0.4%

30.4%

98.3% 0.2%

14.0%

2.0%

16.2%

0.00%

#100

0.149

3%

10%

0.4%

11.4%

88.2% 0.2%

5.2%

1.8%

7.2%

0.00%

#200

0.074

0%

5%

0.4%

5.4%

57.5% 0.2%

2.5%

1.2%

3.8%

0.00%

Trial and Error

It takes a lot of work to get the
gradation plot to look like the ones
shown in this presentation
A step-by-step example of how this
is done can be found in the Graphing
Standards posted on my website
home page