Introduction

The sieve analysis, commonly known as the gradation test, is a basic essential test for all
aggregate technicians. The sieve analysis determines the gradation (the distribution of
aggregate particles, by size, within a given sample) in order to determine compliance with
design, production control requirements, and verification specifications. The gradation data
may be used to calculate relationships between various aggregate or aggregate blends, to
check compliance with such blends, and to predict trends during production by plotting
gradation curves graphically, to name just a few uses. Used in conjunction with other tests,
the sieve analysis is a very good quality control and quality acceptance tool. Sieve analysis
test is one of the essential tests in construction of roads, mixing with concrete and
bituminous. This helps to measure and determine the particle size and as well as the
distribution of aggregates.

Objectives
To determine the particle size distribution of the coarse and fine aggregates.
To determine the grading of materials proposed to be used as aggregates or being used
as aggregates during construction or during mixing with concrete.

Apparatus
Oven
Scoop
Balance scale
Spade and Wheel barrow
Metal tray
A set of IS sieves

Procedures
A sample of aggregates was sieved through, 13.2 mm, 11.2 mm, and a 9.5 mm
sieves.

The sieved was set up from 13.2 mm, then 11.2 mm and 9.5 mm at the bottom.

The aggregates were weighed according to the retained aggregates in the sieve.

The weights were then taken as a fraction of the total weight of the sample.
Results and Calculations
Sieve Results for the Sieve Test

Table 1.1

Sieve (mm) Mass (kg) % Retained

13.2 0.160 9.52
11.2 0.550 32.7
9.5 0.690 41.1
passing 0.28 16.7
1.68

Discussion

It is evident that sieves can be used to separate both fine and coarse aggregates into different
particle sizes. The number sieves describes what size aggregate fall through to the next. After
the material has been sieved, we remove each tray, weigh each size, and record each weight
to the nearest 0.1 g, and Ensure that all material entrapped within the openings of the sieve
are cleaned out and included in the weight retained. After weighting of each sieve samples,
we do some calculations to determine percentage (%) of retained aggregate, cumulative %
agg retained and % agg passing of each sieve.

Conclusion

We conclude that sieve analysis is the simple and easy way to determine the particle size
distribution of aggregate and this sieve analysis procedure can be used by people who are
working in the laboratory like government laboratory and private independent laboratory.