CE121: Construction Materials Laboratory Report No.

Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates

Arfil Kent C. Bendicio
2014-21292, BS Civil Engineering
Institute of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering
University of the Philippines Diliman, Diliman Quezon City 1101

Submitted to: Mr. Timothy John S. Acosta

ABSTRACT

Concrete is widely used because it is commercially available and is easy to prepare into various shapes
and forms. One component of concrete is aggregates, which occupy most of the volume and is relatively
cheaper compared to pure cement. Uniformity coefficient, coefficient of gradation, effective size, and
fineness modulus are obtained from the test samples via plotting percent passing versus sieve opening
size (i.e. gradation curve), to determine the gradation of the aggregates and its effect in engineering
properties.

Significance of the Experiment

Concrete is defined as the mixture of cement, water, aggregates, and other reinforcements. There
imposes a challenge for engineers to make concrete economical and durable at the same time. One
guide for achieving this is through sieve analysis to determine the gradation of aggregates to be mixed
in concrete and its significance to engineering. Aggregates are more than just structural fillers, since
its particle size distribution, shape, and other properties has a significant impact on the concrete’s
durability, workability, strength, and weight. As civil engineering students, it is essential to practice
standard tests set by American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

Standard Reference
ASTM C 33 – Standard Specification for Concrete Aggregates
ASTM C 702 – Standard Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregates to Testing Size. Method B: Quartering.
ASTM C 136 – Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates.
ASTM D 75 – Standard Practice for Sampling Aggregates.
ASTM D 2487 – Standard Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes.

BENDICIO LABORATORY REPORT 1: SIEVE ANALYSIS OF FINE AND COARSE AGGREGATES 1

I. OBJECTIVES
After performing this test, the students are expected to:
1. Plot the gradation curve of the sample aggregates.
2. Check if the gradation of the sample aggregates is within the standard specifications for concrete aggregates.
3. Identify the type of gradation of the sample aggregates and its relation to engineering properties.

II. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

A. Materials and Equipment

For reducing samples of aggregates to testing size:

• Shovel
• Broom
• Top-loading Balance with calibration reading up to 0.5 g
• Containers
• Drying Oven

For sieve analysis:

• Sieve Set for Coarse Aggregates
- ¾ in. (19.0 mm opening size)
- ½ in. (12.5 mm opening size)
- 3/8 in. (9.5 mm opening size)
- Sieve No. 4 (4.75 mm opening size)
• Sieve Set for Fine Aggregates
- Sieve No. 4 (4.75 mm opening size)
- Sieve No. 8 (2.36 mm opening size)
- Sieve No. 16 (1.18 mm opening size)
- Sieve No. 30 (600 m opening size)
- Sieve No. 50 (300 m opening size)
- Sieve No. 100 (150 m opening size)

• Top-loading Balance with calibration reading up to 0.5 g

• Pan
• Lid

BENDICIO LABORATORY REPORT 1: SIEVE ANALYSIS OF FINE AND COARSE AGGREGATES 2

B. Methodology
1. Sampling of Fine Aggregates. The quartering technique is used in sampling of fine
aggregates. From a stockpile of fine aggregates, scrape off the outer layer then samples are
acquired using a shovel and is transferred to a clean, flat surface. Repeat the procedure until
a desirable amount is achieved then mix the sample by turning it three times. Shovel the
entire sample into a conical pile then flatten the conical stockpile into a circle by gently
pressing the apex until the diameter is approximately four to eight times the thickness,
divide it into four (4) equal parts then remove any two (2) diagonally opposite quarters and
return it to the stockpile. Clean the surface of removed quarters by a broom, mix and form
the remaining aggregates to a cone. Repeat the quartering technique one more time and the
remaining aggregates is the test sample. Test sample should be at least 300 g after drying
in accordance to ASTM C 136 Section 7.3.
2. Sampling of Coarse Aggregates. The quartering technique is also used in sampling of
coarse aggregates. From a stockpile of coarse aggregates, samples are first acquired from
the upper third using a shovel and is placed on a clean, flat surface forming a cone. Repeat
the same procedure for the midsection and lower third until a desirable amount is achieved
then mix the sample by turning it three times. Shovel the entire sample into a conical pile
then flatten the conical stockpile into a circle by gently pressing the apex until the diameter
is approximately four to eight times the thickness, divide the circle into four (4) equal parts
then discard any two (2) diagonally opposite quarters from the circle and return it to the
stockpile. Clean the surface of removed quarters by a broom and form the remaining
aggregates to a cone. Repeat the quartering technique once more and the remaining
aggregates is the test sample. Test sample should be at least 5 kg in accordance to ASTM
C 136 Section 7.4.
3. Preparation of Test Samples. Test samples for fine and coarse aggregates are put in
separate containers or metal pans and are dried in the oven overnight at a temperature of
110 ± 5 oC in accordance to ASTM C 136 Section 8.1.
4. Remove the dried samples in the oven. Weigh a new container then transfer dried coarse
aggregate samples into it and weigh again. Record the weight of the container alone and the
weight of container and sample. The difference of the two quantities is the original weight
of coarse aggregate sample.
NOTE: The original weight of the oven-dried coarse aggregate sample must still be at least
5 kg.
5. Weigh another new container then transfer dried fine aggregate samples into it and weigh
again. Record the weight of the container alone and the weight of container and sample.
The difference of the two quantities is the original weight of coarse aggregate sample.

BENDICIO LABORATORY REPORT 1: SIEVE ANALYSIS OF FINE AND COARSE AGGREGATES 3

 NOTE: The original weight of the oven-dried fine aggregate sample must still be at least
300 g.
6. Weigh each of the sieves and record its weight.
7. Assemble the sieves from top to bottom in decreasing opening size, with the pan at the
bottommost part. Sieving for fine and coarse aggregates are separate. Refer to the
methodology for the sieves to be used per aggregate sample.
8. Pour the coarse aggregate sample into the top sieve of its corresponding assembled sieve
set carefully so as there is no loss of mass upon transferring. Close the sieve set with a lid
and agitate it in a horizontal manner for about 10 minutes.
NOTE: If the capacity of the sieve is smaller than the sample size, do the sieving process
by batch; that is, subdividing the sample size further into several masses so that it will fit
the capacity of the sieves until the whole sample size underwent the sieving process.
9. Open the sieve set and detach each sieves from each other then weigh individually,
including the pan. Record the weight of the sieve with the retained aggregates.
10. Pour the fine aggregate sample into the top sieve of its corresponding assembled sieve set
carefully.

C. Data Analysis

1. The weight of sample retained per sieve is obtained by subtracting the weight of the sieve
alone from the weight of the sieve with the retained aggregate sample.
2. The total weight of sample after sieving is the summation of all the weight of sample
retained per sieve. The total weight of the sample after sieving must not differ to 0.3% of
the original weight of the sample. Otherwise, the results should not be used for acceptance
purposes thus sieving process must be repeated.
3. The percent retained per sieve is given by the formula:
𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑
𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 = 𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒
𝑥 100% Eqn. (1)

In other words, percent retained is the weight retained in a sieve relative to the total
weight of the sample.
4. The cumulative weight retained (also called percent coarser) is the summation of all the
weight retained larger than the sieve opening size including itself.
5. The cumulative percent retained is the summation of all the percent retained from the
largest sieve opening size. This may also mean the weight retained in that sieve relative to
the total weight of the sample is there are no larger sieve openings above that sieve.
6. The cumulative percent passing (also called percent finer) is the total weight of sample that
passed through that sieve relative to the total weight of the sample. Its value is determined
by the formula:
𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 100% − 𝑐𝑢𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 Eqn. (2)

BENDICIO LABORATORY REPORT 1: SIEVE ANALYSIS OF FINE AND COARSE AGGREGATES 4

7. The fineness modulus can be computed as the summation of all the cumulative percent
retained divided by 100.
7.1 For the coarse aggregates, the fineness modulus is the sum of the cumulative percent
retained on sieves with opening sizes of 80 mm, 40 mm, 20 mm, 10 mm, 4.75 mm, 2.36
mm, 1.18 mm, 0.60 mm, 0.30 mm, and 0.15 mm divided by 100.
7.2 For the fine aggregates, the fineness modulus is the sum of the cumulative percent
retained on sieves with opening sizes of 4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, 1.18 mm, 0.60 mm, 0.30 mm,
and 0.15 mm divided by 100.
8. A gradation curve is obtained from the sieve opening sizes (in the x-axis in logarithmic scale)
and percent passing values (in the y-axis in arithmetic scale). The gradation limits are also
graphed in accordance to ASTM C 33 Table 2 for coarse aggregates and ASTM C 33 Section
6.1 for fine aggregates.
9. The sieve opening size at any percent passing in the gradation curve can be obtained by using
a semi-linear interpolation given by:
𝑝𝑥 −𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑤
𝐷ℎ𝑖𝑔ℎ
𝐷𝑝𝑥 = 𝐷𝑙𝑜𝑤 ( 𝐷 )𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑔ℎ−𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑤 Eqn. (3)
𝑙𝑜𝑤

where: 𝐷𝑝𝑥 − 𝑠𝑖𝑒𝑣𝑒 𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑖𝑧𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑥 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔

Dlow – sieve opening size at plow percent passing
Dhigh – sieve opening size at phigh percent passing
plow – lower bound percent passing on the interval containing p x
phigh – upper bound percent passing on the interval containing p x
10. The uniformity coefficient is given by the formula:
𝐷60
𝐶𝑢 = Eqn. (4)
𝐷10

where: Cu – uniformity coefficient

D60 – sieve opening size corresponding to 60% passing in the gradation curve
D10 – sieve opening size corresponding to 10% passing in the gradation curve
11. The coefficient of gradation can be determined using the formula:
𝐷30 2
𝐶𝑐 = Eqn. (5)
(𝐷60 )(𝐷10 )

where: Cc – coefficient of gradation

D30 – sieve opening size corresponding to 30% passing in the gradation curve
D60 – sieve opening size corresponding to 60% passing in the gradation curve
D10 – sieve opening size corresponding to 10% passing in the gradation curve

BENDICIO LABORATORY REPORT 1: SIEVE ANALYSIS OF FINE AND COARSE AGGREGATES 5

III. RESULTS OF EXPERIMENT
Table 1. Sieve analysis for coarse aggregates.

Table 2. Sieve analysis for fine aggregates.

Note that the gradation limits or grading requirements are already incorporated in the table.

GRADATION CURVE

Figure 1. Gradation curve for coarse aggregates

BENDICIO LABORATORY REPORT 1: SIEVE ANALYSIS OF FINE AND COARSE AGGREGATES 6

 Figure 2. Gradation curve for fine aggregates
The blue smooth curve in Figures 1 and 2 is the actual data gathered in the experiment. The red and green
smooth curves are the lower and upper gradation limits specified in ASTM C 33. It can be observed from the
figures that the acquired samples are qualified within the standards since the blue curve lies in between the
red and green curve and the coefficients obtained in this data are valid. Sieve opening size also pertain to the
particle diameter and guide lines are projected in the graph to have a visual representation of the particle
diameters needed in the next calculations.

IV. DISCUSSION
Effective Size (D10). Effective size is defined as the sieve opening size corresponding to 10%
passing. Some applications of effective size is estimation of permeability and hydraulic
conductivity of aggregates. Using equation (3), D10 for coarse and fine aggregates are 5.60 mm and
0.17 mm respectively. Sample calculation for D 10 for coarse aggregates is given below. Since 10%
passing lies between the percent passing of Sieve No. 4 (2.92%) and 3/8 in. opening size (32.85%),
substituting these values to equation (3) will yield:
9.5 10−2.92
𝐷10 = 4.75( )32.85−2.92 = 5.60 𝑚𝑚
4.75
The same calculations are applied in obtaining D10 for fine aggregates, as well as D 30 and D60 that
are needed to solve for the uniformity coefficient and coefficient of gradation.
Uniformity Coefficient (C u). From equation (4), Cu varies directly as D60, located at the left side of
the gradation curve, and inversely as D10, located at the right side of the gradation curve. Therefore,
the uniformity coefficient can be described as the particle size distribution, meaning, the sample
contains a variety of particle sizes. The higher value of Cu, the higher tendency that the sample can be
characterized as well graded or gap graded. If Cu, however, approaches a value of 1, the sample tends
to be uniformly graded.

BENDICIO LABORATORY REPORT 1: SIEVE ANALYSIS OF FINE AND COARSE AGGREGATES 7

 Coefficient of Gradation (Cc). From equation (5), Cc varies directly as the square of D30 and
inversely as D10 and D60. If D30 is higher, graphically, it tends to approach D 60 thus Cc is higher. On
the other hand, if D30 is lower, it tends to approach D 10 thus Cc is lower. The gradation curve then
tends to have a steep curve somewhere in between D 10 and D60 and may indicate gap gradation.
Unified Soil Classification System, ASTM D 2487, sets the standard specifications for the aggregates
to be considered well graded.
Fineness Modulus (FM). Fineness modulus is an index number that represents the mean size of the
particles in the sample aggregates. Higher FM means coarser aggregates. According to 7.1 of II. C.,
FM for coarse aggregates cannot be determined due to insufficient data. FM from fine aggregates is
obtained and the value is 227.91/100 or 2.28. Then the average value of aggregate size is between
the 2nd and 3rd sieve or between 0.30 mm to 0.60 mm.
Classification. The four aforementioned parameters, effective size, uniformity coefficient,
coefficient of gradation, and fineness modulus, are used to classify the aggregates in terms of
gradation and its relation to engineering properties. Table 3 summarizes the calculated necessary
quantities and the important parameters.

Table 3. Summary of necessary values for coarse and fine aggregates.

Coarse Fine
Relative Deviation (%) 0.01 0.28
D10 5.60 0.17
D30 8.89 0.31
D60 12.83 0.65
Uniformity Coefficient (Cu) 2.29 3.91
Coefficient of Gradation (Cc) 1.10 0.90
Effective Size 5.60 0.17
Fineness Modulus - 2.28

In accordance to ASTM D 2487, the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) is summarized in Table 4
for the purpose of aggregates classification.
Table 4. Unified soil classification system.

Material
Criterion
Coarse (Gravel) Fine (Sand)
Uniformity Cu > 4 Cu > 6
Gradation 1 ≤ Cc ≤ 3 1 ≤ Cc ≤ 3

For the aggregates to be classified as well-graded, both criteria must be met. Comparing the values obtained
to USCS, Cu for both coarse and fine material does not satisfy the specifications. Moreover, the obtained C u
is less than the interval, so this might be an indication of uniformly graded material. On the other hand, Cc

BENDICIO LABORATORY REPORT 1: SIEVE ANALYSIS OF FINE AND COARSE AGGREGATES 8

for coarse aggregates meet the specification, but not for fine aggregates. Therefore, fine aggregates can be
classified as gap graded material and coarse aggregates can be classified as uniformly graded material.
According to ASTM C 33 Section 6.2, fine aggregates have fineness modulus between 2.3 and 3.1 Further
classification of sand is given in Table 5.

Table 5. Limits of fineness modulus for fine aggregates.

Type of Sand Fineness Modulus Range

Fine Sand 2.2 - 2.6

Medium Sand 2.6 - 2.9

Coarse Sand 2.9 - 3.2

Fineness modulus of the aggregate samples is 2.28 therefore can be classified as fine sand. Fine aggregates
affect the workability and finishing. Generally, a lower FM results in more paste, making concrete easier to
finish. If a high strength concrete is to be achieved, coarse sand with an FM around 3.0 produces best concrete
with the best workability and highest compressive strength.
Figure 3 provides another means of determining the gradation of aggregates by visual comparison.

Figure 3. Different types of particle-size distribution curves.

The grading and size distribution of aggregate is an important characteristic because it determines the past
requirement for workable concrete. Since cement is the most expensive component of concrete, this paste
requirement is the economical factor. It is therefore desirable to minimize the amount of paste consistent with
the production of concrete that can be handled, compacted, and finished while providing the necessary
strength and durability. Coarse aggregate samples may be classified as gap graded, which is characterized by
little void volume thus low volume ratio of cement to concrete is needed. Though it is relatively cheap er to

BENDICIO LABORATORY REPORT 1: SIEVE ANALYSIS OF FINE AND COARSE AGGREGATES 9

work on this gradation, it possesses easier workability since it is easier to compact due to little or no granular
contact. Fine aggregates, on the other hand, may be considered well graded in this experiment based on the
behavior of the graph, thus have high void content. These void volumes are the spaces filled by the cement
therefore it is an uneconomical mix, despite having high strength and stability due to prominent shear stress
induced by grain-to-grain contact. In practice, well graded material is the most preferred gradation for
aggregates. A compromise between economy, workability, and durability of concrete is necessary so well
graded material is the most preferred material in concrete mixes.

V. LABORATORY SUGGESTIONS
Observations Suggestions
Fineness modulus for coarse The sieve set for coarse aggregates must be complete as specified
aggregates can’t be computed due to in 7.1 of data analysis for a more holistic sieve analysis.
lack of data.
Top-loading balance with up to 0.1 g Since sieve analysis is highly dependent on mass measurements, it
readability should be used. is preferred to use a balance of lower least count such that
measurements performed are precise.

Suggestion for Laboratory Improvement

Here are some of my personal suggestions that I believe will help in improving the laboratory:

• Well maintained sieves. Some consecutive sieves don’t fit well and needs brute force to
assemble the sieve set. Moreover, detaching each of the sieves is quite more difficult since
brute force is also needed and is prone to loss of aggregate weight, resulting in a large relative
deviation.
• Mechanical sieve shaker. The sieving process will be proper in the presence of a mechanical
sieve shaker since it meets the specifications of ASTM C 136.
• Use of Drying Oven. The experimenters encounter problems on scarcity of spaces in drying
ovens. A proper scheduling of use of drying ovens may be implemented so that the capacity
is fully maximized by all groups of experimenters.

VI. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

The relative deviations computed are 0.01% and 0.28% which are less than 0.3% thus results are
accepted. Moreover, the gradation curve obtained are within the gradation limits therefore results that
will be obtained are valid. Gradation of aggregates can be determined by sieve analysis. By getting D10,
D30, and D60 for both fine and coarse aggregates, the necessary index numbers such as C u, Cc, effective
size, and FM can be used to classify the gradation. It is therefore concluded that the coarse aggregates
BENDICIO LABORATORY REPORT 1: SIEVE ANALYSIS OF FINE AND COARSE AGGREGATES 10
 are uniformly graded due to low Cu (2.29) even if it met the specifications for Cc (1.10) and fine
aggregates are gap graded due to low Cu (3.91) and low Cc (0.90). Furthermore, fine aggregates are
considered fine sand due to low FM thus makes an uneconomical mix due to high void content even
though concrete mixed with fine sand are usually easier to finish than the coarse sand. Further tests and
analysis should be performed to confirm the gradation of the aggregates.

Errors are inevitable and may arise based from the skill of the experimenter and available equipment.

Other References1:
Aggregate Gradation. (n.d.). Lecture. Retrieved October 2, 2017, from http://www.ce.memphis.edu/3137/Powerpoint
%20Handouts/2%20-%20Aggregate%20Gradation%20and%20Sampling.pdf.
The Importance of Fineness Modulus. (1994, January 1). Retrieved October 3, 2017, from http://www.theconcrete
producer.com/products/materials/the-importance-of-fineness-modulus_o.
Mehta and Monteiro. (1993) Concrete Structure, Properties, and Materials, Prentice Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, NJ.
Mishra, G. (2010, October 1). GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS. Retrieved October 1, 2017, from https://theconstructor.org/
practical-guide/grain-size-analysis/2261/.
Anupoju, S. (2016, July 30). FINENESS MODULUS OF COARSE AGGREGATES & CALCULATION. Retrieved
October 2, 2017, from https://theconstructor.org/practical-guide/fineness-modulus-of-coarse-aggregates-and-its-
calculation/12472/.
Anupoju, S. (2016, July 30). FINENESS MODULUS OF FINE AGGREGATES AND ITS CALCULATION. Retrieved
October 2, 2017, from https://theconstructor.org/practical-guide/fineness-modulus-of-sand-calculation/12465/.
CV301 Gradation [PDF]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.snscourseware.org/snsce/files/CW_5860bf643ae20/
Gradation%20of%20Aggregates.pdf
Das, B. M. (2010). Principles of Geotechnical Engineering (7th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.
1
references consulted aside from ASTM manual

BENDICIO LABORATORY REPORT 1: SIEVE ANALYSIS OF FINE AND COARSE AGGREGATES 11