Sieve Analysis Tests for Aggregate: Coarse and Fine Aggregate Analysis Procedures

What Is Sieve Analysis Test?

Sieve analysis, often referred to as sieve analysis of aggregate, is an analytical technique used to determine the particle size distribution of granular material with macroscopic granular sizes.

This sieve analysis technique, crucial for both sieve analysis of coarse aggregate and sieve analysis of fine aggregate, involves the layering of sieves with different grades of sieve opening sizes.

This finest sized sieve lies on the bottom of the stack with every layered sieve stacked above in order of increasing sieve size.

When a granular material is added to this top and sifted, the particles of this material are separated in the final layer the particle couldn’t pass.

Commercial sieve analyzers weigh every individual sieve from the stack to determine the weight distribution of these particles. This base of this instrument is a shaker, which facilitates the filtering.

Sieve analysis is important for analyzing materials because particle size distribution may affect a wide range of properties, like the strength of concrete, the solubility of a mixture, surface area properties, and even their taste.

As per the below methods for Sieve Analysis Test.

1. Sive analysis test for Coarse aggregate

2. Sive analysis test for Fine aggregate

Sive Analysis Test for Coarse Aggregate

Apparatus Sive Analysis Test for coarse aggregate sieve analysis:

Dry Oven

IS Sieves 40 mm, 20 mm sieve analysis, 16 mm, 12.5 mm, 10mm, and pan – specifically for sieve analysis of coarse aggregate 20mm.

IS Sieves 20 mm, 16 mm,12.5 mm, 10 mm, 4.75 mm,2.36mm and pan – for Analysis of 10/12.5 metal.

Weigh scale to the accuracy of 1gm

Wire Brush

Metal Trays etc.

Procedure for coarse aggregate test and Sive Analysis Test for Coarse Aggregate:

1. A sample of aggregate shall be collected as given earlier.
2. Sieves shall be cleaned and arranged in sequence in descending order. Pan shall at the lowermost end and Lid on top.
3. Take around 5 kg of sample and dry it in an oven at a temp of 100-110⁰
4. The dried sample shall be then weighed ( 5 kg preferably) and sieved successively on sieves starting with 40mm and then through 4.75mm (For 20 mm down an aggregate size ) and through 2.36 mm (For 12.5/10 mm down an aggregate size).
5. Each sieve shall be shaken at least for two minutes on a clean tray until no more trace passes.
6. The motion shall be varied like back and forth, left to right, circular clockwise and anti-clockwise and with frequent jarring.
7. Material shall not be forced through the mesh. But for coarser than 20mm particles, placing is permitted (passing particles through sieve opening manually).
8. Sieves shall be brushed from underneath of mesh and pass on to the next.
9. On completion of sieving, material retained on each sieve is to weigh Separately.
10. Check for permissible limits for passing.

Reporting Sive Analysis Test for Coarse Aggregate:

The cumulative % by weight of the total sample passing each sieve, to the nearest whole number.

Or

The % by weight of the total sample passing one sieve and retained on the next Smaller sieve to the nearest 1 decimal.

Check for permissible limits for passing.

Sive Analysis Test for Fine Aggregate

Apparatus Sive Analysis Test for Fine Aggregate:

Drying Oven

IS Sieves 10 mm, 4.75mm, 2.36 mm, 1.18 mm, 600 microns, 300 microns, 150 mm & Pan

Weigh scale to the accuracy of 1gm

Brush

Metal Trays etc.

Procedure Sive Analysis Test for Fine Aggregate:

1. A sample of sand shall be collected as given earlier.
2. Sieves shall be cleaned and arranged in sequence in descending order. Pan shall at the lowermost end and Lid on top.
3. Take around 1 kg of sample and dry it in an oven at a temp of 100-110⁰
4. The dried sample shall be then weighed ( 1 kg preferably) and sieved successively on sieves starting with 10mm and then through 150 microns.
5. Each sieve shall be shaken at least for two minutes on a clean tray until no more trace passes.
6. The motion shall be varied like back and forth, left to right, circular clockwise and anti-clockwise and with frequent jarring.
7. Material shall not be forced through the mesh. Lumps in fines shall be broken against the wall of a sieve.
8. Sieves shall be brushed from underneath of mesh and pass on to the next.
9. On completion of sieving, material retained on each sieve is to be weighed separately.

Calculations of Sive Analysis Test for Fine Aggregate:

1. Fineness Modulus: Add values of Cumulative % Retained on each sieve and  Divide by 100.
2. Normally the accepted limit of FM is valued between 2.2 to 3.2. 
3. A higher value of FM indicates coarser sand, whereas lesser value indicates a finer one.
4. Grading Zone of Fine Aggregate – Value is shown between I to IV.
5. Where zone- I is associates with Coarser Fine aggregate, and Zone IV is Finer.
6. Zones are decided from values of 600 microns passing % in sieve analysis. (Refer Table-4 of IS: 383)
7. Zone –I – 15-34%, Zone-II – 35-59 %, Zone-III- 60-79%, Zone-IV- 80-100%

Reporting:

The cumulative % by weight of the total sample passing each sieve, to the nearest whole number.

Or

The % by weight of the total sample passing one sieve and retained on the next smaller sieve to the nearest 1 decimal. Calculate the F.M. of the material and decide to read the Zone of material.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about sieve analysis tests for aggregate.

What is sieve analysis, and why is it important for aggregates?

Sieve analysis is a technique used to determine the particle size distribution of granular materials like aggregates. It’s crucial because particle size affects properties such as strength, solubility, and surface area, impacting various applications like concrete production and filtration.

What equipment is needed for sieve analysis of coarse aggregate?

For sieve analysis of coarse aggregate, you’ll need equipment such as IS sieves (ranging from 40 mm to 2.36 mm), a dry oven, a weigh scale, a wire brush, and metal trays.

How is sieve analysis performed for coarse aggregate?

The procedure involves drying a sample, sieving it successively through a series of stacked sieves, shaking each sieve for at least two minutes, and weighing the retained material on each sieve separately. Motion variation and brushing are crucial steps to ensure accurate results.

What equipment is required for sieve analysis of fine aggregate?

For sieve analysis of fine aggregate, you’ll need similar equipment as for coarse aggregate analysis, including IS sieves (ranging from 10 mm to 150 microns), a drying oven, a weigh scale, a brush, and metal trays.

How is sieve analysis performed for fine aggregate?

The procedure involves drying a sand sample, sieving it successively through a series of stacked sieves, shaking each sieve for at least two minutes, breaking lumps against the sieve wall, and weighing the retained material on each sieve separately.

What are the calculations involved in sieve analysis of fine aggregate?

Calculations include determining the fineness modulus (FM) by adding values of cumulative % retained on each sieve and dividing by 100. FM values help classify the fineness of the sand. Additionally, grading zones are determined based on the percentage passing 600 microns sieve.

What are the reporting requirements for sieve analysis tests?

Reports should include the cumulative % by weight of the total sample passing each sieve to the nearest whole number or the % by weight passing one sieve and retained on the next smaller sieve to the nearest decimal. Additionally, the fineness modulus and grading zone should be reported.

What are the accepted limits for fineness modulus (FM) in sieve analysis?

The accepted limits for FM typically range between 2.2 to 3.2. A higher FM indicates coarser sand, while a lower FM indicates finer sand.

How is the grading zone of fine aggregate determined?

Grading zones (I to IV) are determined based on the percentage passing 600 microns sieve. Each zone corresponds to a range of passing percentages, helping classify the fineness of the fine aggregate.

Why is sieve analysis crucial for quality control in construction materials?

Sieve analysis provides valuable information about the particle size distribution of aggregates, which is essential for ensuring the quality and performance of construction materials like concrete and asphalt.

It helps engineers and contractors make informed decisions about material selection and proportions for optimal results.