Civil Engineering Department

CE405 - Construction Materials and Testing Laboratory Manual

Experiment No. II
SIEVE ANALYSIS
1. Objective(s):
The activity aims to introduce the basic principle, significance and procedures for the Sieve
Analysis of Aggregates (Coarse and Fine Aggregates).
2. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):
The students shall be able to:
2.1 Familiarize with basic procedure for the Sieve Analysis of the Aggregates.
2.2 Determine the particle size distribution of the coarse and fine aggregates.
2.3 Characterize the aggregates according to the predominant grain size.
3. Discussion:
As conformed in the ASTM 136-98a, the grain size characteristics of soils that are predominantly
coarse grained are evaluated by a sieve analysis. A nest of sieves is prepared by staking test sieves
one above the other with the largest opening at the top followed by sieves of successively smaller
openings and a catch pan at the bottom. The maximum size of the aggregates depends on the type
of structure for which concrete is to be used. Most of the time, the aggregates have a uniform
gradation. However, gap-graded aggregates provide better strength characteristics. In gap-grading,
the sizes of aggregates do not decrease uniformly. Certain size segments are left out in order to
obtain better packing and, hence, a more utilization of cement.
4. Resources:
1 Set of Sieves
1 Weighing Scale
1 Scoop or spoon
2 Pans
½ Bag of Coarse Aggregates
½ Bag of Fine Aggregates
5. Procedure:
Preparation of Samples
1. Gather aggregates sample (coarse and fine) weighing at least 1 kg, put it in a pan and then
weigh.
2. Dry the sample to constant weight at a temperature of 110 ± 5 °C; weigh after cooling to
room temperature.
3. Place sample in a container large enough and to permit spilling when water is added.
4. Add water and agitate.
5. Pour wash aggregates over the nested sieves, avoiding decantation of coarse particles,
repeat operation until wash materials are clear, return all the materials retained in the nested
sieves.
6. Dry washed sample to constant weight and weigh after cooling at room temperature.
Sieve Analysis
7. Pass the sample through the nested sieves.
8. Weight materials retained on each sieves.
9. Calculate the cumulative percentage passing each sieve on the basis of oven-dry weight of
the original sample.

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CE405 - Construction Materials and Testing Laboratory Manual
Course: CE 405 Experiment No.: 2
Group No.: 2 Section: CE22S2
Group Members: Date Performed: August 28, 2023
Date Submitted: September 02, 2023
Instructor:
Engr. Charmween Jade Constantino
6. Data and Results:
6.1 For Fine Aggregates
Sieve Cumulative
Mass Specification
Size Mass Remarks
Retained (g) % Passing % Retained % Passing
(inch) Passing (g)
3’’ -
2 ½’’ -
2’’ -
1 ½’’ -
1’’ -
¾’’ -
½’’ -
3/8’’ 0 853 100% 0% 100
#4 0 853 100% 0% 95-100
#8 38 815 95.55% 4.45% 80-100
#16 50 765 89.68% 10.32% 50-85
#30 266 499 58.50% 41.50% 25-60
#50 355 144 16.88% 83.12% 5-30
#100 125 19 2.23% 97.77% 0-10
#200 16 3 0.35% 99.65% -
Pan 3 0 0 100% -
Mass of Sample : 1000g
Mass of Oven-Dry Sample : 930g
Mass of Washed Oven-Dry Sample : 926g
Mass Retained at #200 Sieves : 16g
Moisture Content : 7.53%
Fineness Modulus* : 4.01%
*Calculate the fineness modulus, when required, by adding the total percentages of material in the
sample that is coarser than each of the following sieves (cumulative percentages retained), and
dividing the sum by 100: 150-μm (No.100), 300-μm (No. 50), 600-μm (No. 30), 1.18-mm (No. 16), 2.36-
mm (No. 8), 4.75-mm (No. 4), 9.5-mm (3⁄8-in.), 19.0-mm (3⁄4-in.), 37.5-mm (11⁄2-in.), and larger,
increasing in the ratio of 2 to 1.

6.2 Computation

1000−930
Moisture Content = ×100
930

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 Civil Engineering Department
CE405 - Construction Materials and Testing Laboratory Manual

7.53%
Moisture Content =

7.53%
4.45+10.32+ 41.50+ 83.12+ 97.77+99.65+100
Fineness Modulus =
100

4.01%
Fineness Modulus =

6.1 For Coarse Aggregates

Sieve Cumulative
Mass Specification
Size Mass Remarks
Retained (g) % Passing % Retained % Passing
(inch) Passing (g)
3’’ -
2 ½’’ -
2’’ -
1 ½’’ -
1’’ 0 1018g 100% 0% 100
¾’’ 377g 641g 62.97% 37.03% 90-100
½’’ 445g 196g 19.25% 80.75% 20-55
3/8’’ 152g 44g 4.32% 95.68% 0-15
#4 36g 8g 0.79% 99.21% 0-5
#8 8g 0g 0% 100% -
#16 -
#30 -
#50 -
#100 -
#200 -
Pan -
Mass of Sample : 1018g
Mass of Oven-Dry Sample : 990g
Mass of Washed Oven-Dry Sample: 990g
Moisture Content : 2.83%
Maximum Nominal Size : Sieve#8

6.2 Computation
1018−990
Moisture Content = × 100
990

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 Civil Engineering Department
CE405 - Construction Materials and Testing Laboratory Manual

2.83%
Moisture Content =

7. Observation

The mass of sample for both coarse and fine aggregates were measured to be 1,018 grams and 1000 grams
respectively. Upon subjecting both samples to a temperature of 110 degrees Celsius inside of an oven, the mass
of oven-dry sample was then measured to be 990 grams for the coarse aggregates and 930 grams for the fine
aggregates. Both samples were then washed and were once again placed in the oven to dry. The mass of
washed oven-dry sample was measured to still be 990 grams for the coarse aggregates and 926 grams for the
fine aggregates. With the given data, it was found that the coarse aggregates had a moisture content of 2.83%
while the fine aggregates had a 7.53% moisture content. The mass retained at #200 sieves for the fine
aggregates was 16 grams. The maximum nominal size for the coarse aggregates was the #8 sieve. Lastly, the
fineness modulus was measured to be 4.01%

8. Conclusion:

With the data listed on the observation section, group 2 concludes that the coarse aggregates retain a
higher number of its mass on the 3/4" and 1/2" sieves. The fine aggregates, on the other hand, retains
majority of its mass on the #30 and #50 sieves. Moisture content for both aggregates were found to
have quite the difference, presumably due to the graduation of sizes for both aggregates. Lastly, sieve
analysis proved to be significant in segregating the miniscule difference between aggregates. This
could prove useful in the future for when experiments call for strict implementation of specific sizes of
material.

9. Assessment:
BEGINNER ACCEPTABLE PROFICIENT
CRITERIA SCORE
1 2 3
I. Laboratory Skills
Members do not Members occasionally Members always
Manipulative
demonstrate needed demonstrate needed demonstrate needed
Skills
skills. skills skills.
Members are unable Members are able to Members are able to
Experimental
to set-up the set-up the materials set-up the material with
Set-up
materials. with supervision. minimum supervision.
Members do not Members occasionally Members always
Process Skills demonstrate targeted demonstrate targeted demonstrate targeted
process skills. process skills. process skills.

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CE405 - Construction Materials and Testing Laboratory Manual
Members do not Members follow safety
Safety Members follow safety
follow safety precautions most of
Precautions precautions at all times.
precautions. the time.
II. Work Habits
Time Members finish ahead
Members do not finish Members finish on
Management / of time with complete
on time with time with incomplete
Conduct of data and time to revise
incomplete data. data.
Experiment data.
Members have
Members do not know
defined Members are on tasks
their tasks and have
responsibilities most and have defined
no defined
Cooperative and of the time. Group responsibilities at all
responsibilities.
Teamwork conflicts are times. Group conflicts
Group conflicts have
cooperatively are cooperatively
to be settled by the
managed most of the managed at all times.
teacher.
time.
Clean and orderly
Clean and orderly
Messy workplace workplace with
Neatness and workplace at all times
during and after the occasional mess
Orderliness during and after the
experiment. during and after the
experiment.
experiment.
Members require
Ability to do Members require Members do not need
occasional
independent supervision by the to be supervised by the
supervision by the
work teacher. teacher.
teacher.
Other Comments/Observations: Total Score
(Total Score)
Rating= ×100
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10. Reference(s):
ASTM 136-98a “Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates”

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 Civil Engineering Department
CE405 - Construction Materials and Testing Laboratory Manual