SURIGAO STATE COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

Narciso St. 8400, Surigao City (Main Campus)

CE 113: CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS & TESTING

(Experiment No. 3)
Sieve Analysis of Coarse and Fine Aggregates
Submitted on: December 9, 2019

SUBMITTED BY:
WIN JAY C. MUSICA
BSCE-4B STUDENT

SUBMITTED TO:
ENGR. VIRNIE PORTUGUES
INSTRUCTOR
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover Page 1

Introduction 3

Procedure 3

List of Equipment (Apparatus and Materials) 4

Test Results 4

Discussion 5

Recommendation 5
INTRODUCTION:
Sieve analysis determine the gradation or distribution of aggregate particles within a
given sample in order to determine compliance with design and production standards.
It is important for analyzing materials because particle size distribution can affect a wide range
of properties, such as the strength of concrete, the solubility of a mixture, surface area properties
and even their taste. Particle size determinations on large samples of aggregate are necessary to
ensure that aggregates perform as intended for their specified use. The process separates fine
particles from more course particles by passing the material through a number of sieves of
different mesh sizes.

PROCEDURE:
1. Obtain a representative sample by the use of sample by the use of sample splitter. The
sample to be tested should be the approximate weight desired when dry. For this
experiment about 500 grams of the fine aggregate and about 10-12 kilograms of coarse
aggregate.
2. Dry the samples to constant temperature in the oven at a temperature 110±5°C
(230±41°F).
3. Assemble the sieves in order of decreasing size of opening from top to bottom and place
sample on top of the sieve and cover it with lid.
a. For coarse aggregate: 1”, ¾,’’ ½’’, 3/8’’, #4, #8, pan
b. For fine aggregate: 3/8’’, #4, #8, #30, #50, #100, pan
4. Agitate the sieve by hand or by mechanical shaker for five minutes or for a sufficient
period.
5. Limit the quantity of material given sieve so that all particles have opportunity to reach
sieve openings a number of times during the sieving operations. For the sieve with
opening smaller than No. 4 (4.75mm), the weight retained on any sieve at the completion
of the sieving operation shall not exceed 6 kg/m2 of sieving surface. For the sieve
opening No. 4, (4.75mm) and larger, the weight in kg/m2 of the sieving surface shall not
exceed the product of 2.5 x (sieve opening mm). In no case shall the weight be so great as
to cause permanent deformation of the sieve cloth.
6. Continue sieving for sufficient period in such manner that, after completion, not more
that 0.5 percent by weight of the total sample passes any during one (1) minute of
continuous hand sieving.
 7. Weigh the material that is retained on each sieves, including the weight retained in the
pan, and in record in the data sheet. The total weight of the material after the sieving
should check closely with original sample placed on the sieve. If the sum of these weight
is not with the one percent (0.3 for ASTM requirement) of the original sample, the
procedure should be repeated.
8. Compute the cumulative percent retained on, and the percent passing each sieve.
9. Plot the gradation curves for coarse and fine aggregates (to be specified by the laboratory
instructor). Plot the combine-grading using the 40% aggregate and 60% fine aggregate.
10. Compute the Fineness Modulus for fine and course aggregate.

List of Equipments
Materials and Apparatus Available Not - Available
Balance, accurate to 0.1g /
Set of Sieves
Sieve # 1'' /
Sieve # 3/4'' /
Sieve # 1/2'' /
Sieve # 3/8'' /
Sieve # 4 /
Sieve # 8 /
Sieve # 30 /
Sieve # 50 /
Sieve # 100 /
Pan /
Cover /
Brush /
TEST RESULTS:
COASE AGGREGATE
Initial Weight: _______10 Kg______

Weight Cum. Weight Cum. Percent Percent

SIEVE NO.
Retained Retained Retained Passing
3/4''
3/8''
4
PAN

Fine Modulus of Sand = = 3.08

100
FINE AGGREGATE
Initial Weight: _______500g______

Weight Cum. Weight Cum. Percent Percent

SIEVE NO.
Retained Retained Retained Passing
3/8''
4
30
100
PAN

Fine Modulus of Sand = = 2.48

100
DISCUSSION OF RESULTS:

RECOMMENDATION / CONCLUSION: