The Pontifical and Royal

University of Santo Tomas

The Catholic University of the Philippines
Faculty of Engineering________________________________________________
Department of Civil Engineering Lab 6, Ground Floor, Fr. Roque Ruaño Bldg., España
Boulevard, Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines 1500
CE 414L: Testing of materials (632)406-1611 loc. 8516

EXPERIMENT NO. 10
SIEVE ANALYSIS OF AGGREGATES

INTRODUCTION:
This test method covers the determination of the particle size distribution of fine and coarse aggregates
by sieving. A weighed sample of dry aggregate is separated through a series of sieves of progressively smaller
openings for determination of particle size distribution.

Maximum Size (of aggregate) - in specifications for, or description of aggregate, the smallest sieve
opening through which the entire amount of aggregate is required to pass.

Nominal Maximum Size (of aggregate) - in specifications for, or description of aggregate, the smallest
sieve opening through which the entire amount of the aggregate is permitted to pass.

OBJECTIVE:
This experiment aims to determine the particle size distribution of fine and coarse aggregates by sieving.

SPECIMEN:
Fine Aggregate (<No. 4 sieve) - 300 g (oven dried)
Coarse Aggregate (>No. 4 sieve) - 5 kg (oven dried)

APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES

Set of sieves:
# 1.5 to # 4 for coarse aggregates
# 4 to # 200 for fine aggregates

PROCEDURE:
1. Dry sample to constant weight at a temperature of 110 +/- 5 C (230 +/- F).
2. Select suitable sieve sizes to obtain the required information as specified.
3. Nest the sieves in order of decreasing size of opening from the top to bottom. Place the pan below
the bottom sieve. Place the sample on the top sieve. Place lid over top sieve.
4. Agitate the sieves by hand or by mechanical apparatus for a sufficient period such that not more than
1% by weight of the residue on any individual sieve will pass that sieve during 1 minute of additional
hand sieving. Ten minutes of original sieving will usually accomplish these criteria.
5. Determine the weight of material retained on each sieve. The total retained weights should closely
match the original weight of the sample (within 0.3%).

CLEANING PROCEDURE
1. After obtaining the necessary data, place the used aggregates in an assigned container.
2. Clean the apparatus and supplies with soap and water.
3. Dry the apparatus and supplies thoroughly before returning them.

CE 414L: Testing of Materials | Experiment No. 10: Sieve Analysis of Aggregates

 The Pontifical and Royal
University of Santo Tomas
The Catholic University of the Philippines
Faculty of Engineering________________________________________________
Department of Civil Engineering Lab 6, Ground Floor, Fr. Roque Ruaño Bldg., España
Boulevard, Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines 1500
CE 414L: Testing of materials (632)406-1611 loc. 8516

EXPERIMENT NO. 10
SIEVE ANALYSIS OF AGGREGATES

Year and Section Date Started

Group Number Date Finished
Group Members Date Submitted

DATA AND RESULTS:

Table 10.1 – Sieve Analysis of Aggregates

WEIGHT OF CUMULATIVE %
SIEVE SIZE, WEIGHT OF CUMULATIVE %
SIEVE NO. SIEVE + % RETAINED PASSING
inch SIEVE, kg RETAINED
RESIDUE, kg (FINER)
1½ 1½

1 1

¾ ¾

½ ½

3/8 3/8

4 0.187

PAN ---

4 0.187

8 0.464

16 0.0469

30 0.0234

60 0.0098

100 0.0059

200 0.0029

PAN ---

CE 414L: Testing of Materials | Experiment No. 10: Sieve Analysis of Aggregates

FORMULAS AND COMPUTATIONS:

CE 414L: Testing of Materials | Experiment No. 10: Sieve Analysis of Aggregates

DRAWINGS/SKETCHES/DIAGRAMS/GRAPHS:

CE 414L: Testing of Materials | Experiment No. 10: Sieve Analysis of Aggregates

SOURCES OF ERRORS:

CONCLUSION AND REMARKS:

CE 414L: Testing of Materials | Experiment No. 10: Sieve Analysis of Aggregates

DOCUMENTATION:

CE 414L: Testing of Materials | Experiment No. 10: Sieve Analysis of Aggregates

CE 414L: Testing of Materials | Experiment No. 10: Sieve Analysis of Aggregates