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Sieve analysis is a method used to determine the particle size distribution of aggregate materials. This process involves the following steps:

  1. The required quantity of dried sample of aggregate is weighed.
  2. The weighed aggregates are sieved through a set of sieves with square openings arranged in descending order of aperture size, with the largest mesh on top (Column 1 of Table 1).
  3. The stack of sieves is shaken or vibrated to facilitate the sorting of particles by size.
  4. After sieving for a specific period, the material retained on each sieve is weighed (Column 2 of Table 1).
  5. The weight of particles retained on each sieve is expressed as a percentage of the total sample mass (Column 3 of Table 1).
    Eq1
  6. The cumulative percentage passing each sieve is calculated to the nearest one percent from the finest sieve moving upwards (Column 4 of Table 1).
  7. The grading curve is plotted on a graph (Figure 1) where the ordinate values represent the percentage passing (Column 4 of Table 1), and the abscissa values show the sieve apertures (Column 1 of Table 1), set to a logarithmic scale.

Table 1: Data for sieve analysis on sand

Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4
ASTM Sieve (Sieve size) Weight retained on each sieve (g) Percentage weight retained on each sieve (%) Cumulative Percentage passing each sieve (%)
⅜ inch (9.5 mm) 0 0 98+2 = 100
No. 4 (4.75 mm) 10 2 88+10 = 98
No. 8 (2.36mm) 50 10 79+9 = 88
No. 16 (1.18 mm) 45 9 61+18 = 79
No. 30 (600 µ) 90 18 29+32 = 61
No. 50 (300 µ) 160 32 10+19 = 29
No. 100 (150 µ) 95 19 10
Bottom pan 50 10
Total weight of aggregate = 500 g

Figure 1

Grading curves visually simplifies the distribution of particle sizes and is essential for ensuring that aggregates meet the required grading specifications for construction projects.

Tags

Sieve AnalysisParticle Size DistributionAggregate MaterialsGrading CurvesAperture SizeCumulative PercentageLogarithmic ScaleWeight RetainedConstruction SpecificationsSorted Particles

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