Civil Engineering Materials Short Lab

- Aggregate Laboratory –

ASTM Standards (AASHTO Standards): C136-01 (T 27) Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates

Purpose: To determine the properties of aggregate for concrete mix design and asphalt concrete mix design. Sieve analysis

Equipment Needed: * 1 Sieve Series (Pan, #200, #100, #50, #30, #16, #8, #4, 3/8", 1/2", 3/4", 1") If sieve analysis is performed on fine and coarse aggregate separately:

* 1 Fine Aggregate Sieve Series; Pan, 75m, 150m, 300m, 600m, 1.18mm, 2.36mm, 4.75mm, (Pan, #200, #100, #50, #30, #16, #8, #4)

* 1 Coarse Aggregate Sieve Series; Pan, 2.36mm, 4.75mm, 9.5mm, 12.5mm, 19.0mm, 25.0mm, (Pan, #8, #4, 3/8", 1/2", 3/4", 1")

* Balances * Mechanical Shakers * Scoops

Procedure Sieve Analysis

The gradation of an aggregate is determined by a sieve analysis. Standard procedures for a sieve analysis are given in ASTM C136. A detailed description of the procedure is given on pages 324-326 in your textbook. A summary of the procedure is as follows: Fine and Coarse Aggregate: 1) Obtain a sample of dried aggregate of approximately 500g fine and 500g of coarse aggregate. 2) Select the appropriate sieves for fine aggregate and place the sample on the top sieve. Use the

mechanical shaker to distribute the sample through the series of sieves. 3) Record the mass of each sieve with the material on the sieve, empty the sieve and record the mass of the

empty sieve. Total the masses retained on each sieve and check the total against the mass of the original sample. It is acceptable if they differ by no more than 3g in a 1000g sample.

If the sieve analysis is done separately on fine and coarse aggregates: Fine Aggregate - Obtain a sample of dried aggregate of approximately 500g. Record it's mass. - Repeat steps 2 and 3 above. It is acceptable if they differ by no more than 1.5g in a 500g sample. Coarse Aggregate - Obtain a sample of aggregate of at least 500 g. Record it's mass. - Repeat steps 2 and 3 above. It is acceptable if they differ by no more than 1.5g in a 500g sample.