Transportation Engineering Laboratory, IITG

EXPERIMENT NO.
NAME OF THE EXPERIMENT: SIEVE ANALYSIS
AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT: To determine the particle size distribution of
fine, coarse and all-in-aggregates by sieving.
TEST DESCRIPTION:
A representative weighed sample is poured into the top sieve which has
the largest screen openings. Each lower sieve in the column has smaller
openings than the one above. At the base is a round pan, called the
receiver. The column is shaked, usually for some fixed amount of time.
After the shaking is complete the material on each sieve is weighed. The
weight of the sample of each sieve is then divided by the total weight to
give a percentage retained on each sieve. The size of the average particle
on each sieve is then analyzed to get a cut-off point or specific size range,
which is then captured on a screen. The results of this test are used to
describe the properties of the aggregate and to see if it is appropriate for
various civil engineering purposes such as selecting the appropriate
aggregate for concrete mixes and asphalt mixes as well as sizing of water
production well screens. The results of this test are provided in graphical
form to identify the type of gradation of the aggregate.

APPARATUS REQUIRED FOR THE TEST:

A balance which is having accuracy in measuring of 0.1% of the

weight of the sample.

Sieves: Sieves of the following sizesTable 1: IS Sieves for sieve analysis of aggregates for concrete
Type
Square hole, perforated
plate
Fine mesh, wire cloth

Sieve Designations
19 mm, 13.2 mm, 9.5 mm, 4.75 mm
2.36 mm, 1.18 mm, 600 micron, 300 ,
150 , 75
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Transportation Engineering Laboratory, IITG

Mechanical sieve shaker

An oven capable of maintaining temperature at 1050-1150 C
Sample: The weight of sample available should not be less than the
weight given in table 2. The sample for sieving is prepared from the
larger sample by quartering or by means of a sample divider.

Fig. 1 Stack of sieves

Fig.2 Sieve Analysis

Fig.3

Sieve shaker
RELEVANT CODES:
ASTM C136-06-1999: Standard test method for sieve analysis of fine and
coarse aggregates; American Society for Testing & Materials
IS 2386 (Part I)-1963 Methods of Test for aggregates for Concrete; Particle
size and shape; Bureau of Indian Standards
PROCEDURE:
1. A sample of suitable quantity is taken and is dried either by drying at room
temperature or by heating at a temperature of 100 to 110 C before weighing and
sieving.
2. The dry sample should be weighed and sieved successively on the appropriate sieves
starting with the largest at the top and smallest at the bottom.
3. Sieving is done either manually or mechanically.
4. The material retained on each sieve shall be weighed on completion of sieving.
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Transportation Engineering Laboratory, IITG

5. The percentage of the total weight of soil passing through each sieve can be calculated
on the basis of total weight of sample taken and weight of the aggregates retained on
each sieve.

PRECAUTIONS:
The sieves should be placed in the decreasing order of their openings
from top to bottom.
A pan should be placed underneath the nest of sieves to collect the
aggregate that passes through the smallest.
Use safety shoes, mask & aprons at the time of test.
Thoroughly clean & dry the sieves before testing.
After test sieve should be clean by a soft brush.

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