ATT-26 1.

0 Scope

ATT-26/96, SIEVE ANALYSIS, 20 000 Fm Minus

1.0 SCOPE

This method describes the procedures for determining the gradation of crushed
aggregates, 20 000 Fm or less in top size.

2.0 EQUIPMENT

sieves: 80 Fm, 160 Fm, 315 Fm, 630 Fm, 1 250 Fm, 5 000 Fm, 10 000 Fm, and
a top size sieve - 12 500 Fm, 16 000 Fm or 20 000 Fm.

electronic balance - capable of reading to 0.1 g and having an accuracy of at

least 0.01% of the sample mass, e.g. for a 2000 g sample weight,
the balance must be accurate to 0.2 g. The balance must be operated
and calibrated as per manufacturer's recommendations.

sieve pan and lid battery filler sieve rack

spatula paint brush putty knife
drying pans sieve brush sample divider
dipper large plastic pail pie plates
metal pail large mixing pans thermometer

Data Sheets: 20 000 Fm Sieve Analysis, MAT 6-25

Core Density, Extraction and Sieve Analysis, MAT 6-79, or
Mix Asphalt Content and Sieve Analysis, MAT 6-101

3.0 PROCEDURE

3.1 Sample Preparation

If testing extracted aggregate, proceed to step 5.

1. Obtain a 25 kg sample of representative aggregate as directed in testATT-38,

SAMPLING, Gravel and Sand.

2. Reduce the aggregate sample to the minimum required testing size as

directed in ATT-57, using the sample
divider to split the original sample
AGGREGATE MINIMUM DRY into the large mixing pans, discarding
TOP SIZE SAMPLE WEIGHT half each time. If a sample divider is
(Fm) (g) not available, quarter the original
20 000 2 500
sample to produce the two samples
16 000 2 500 required for testing. Table 1 shows
12 500 2 000 the minimum dry weight of sample,
10 000 1 000 according to aggregate size.
5 000 500

TABLE 1
 ATT-26 3.1 Sample Preparation

3. Label and tare a drying pan. Record the pan number and tare weight in line
"H" as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1
 ATT-26 3.2 Sieve Analysis

4. Place one sample in the tared pan and weigh it. Record as Wt. of Moist
Sample + Pan (line "G"). Use this sample for the wash sieve analysis.

5. Place the sieve analysis sample into a large plastic pail and cover it with
water.

For extracted aggregate, use warm water and add one capful of liquid
detergent; then agitate the pail.

6. Soak the sample for half an hour, periodically agitating the pail to loosen any
clay adhering to the rocks and suspend it in water.

If testing extracted aggregate, proceed to Section 3.2, Sieve Analysis,

recording the data on the sieve analysis portion of Core Density, Extraction
and Sieve Analysis form, as shown in Figure 3, or corresponding data sheets,
as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

7. While the sieve sample is soaking, label and tare another drying pan. Record
the pan number and tare weight in line "D".

8. Place the remaining sample in the pan and weigh it. Record as Wt. of Wet
Sample + Pan (line "A"). Use this sample as the moisture content sample.

9. Dry the moisture content sample to a constant weight on the stove burner as
directed in ATT-14, MOISTURE CONTENT, Open Pan Method. Record as
Wt. of Dry Sample + Pan (line "B"). Keep this sample until the sieve analysis
test is complete.

3.2 Sieve Analysis

1. If the field laboratory is not equipped with sink and vegetable sprayer:

a) Obtain one full metal pail of clean water.

b) Place the sieve rack over an empty metal pail.

2. If the field laboratory is equipped with sink and vegetable sprayer:

a) Ensure the water tank has sufficient water.

b) Secure the sieve rack by placing two pieces of lath lengthwise over the
sink, one closer to the faucet and the other closer to the outer edge.
Then set the sieve rack on the two pieces of lath and tie the sieve rack
legs to the lath.

3. Wet both sides of the 80 Fm sieve and place it in the sieve rack.

4. Use a rotary motion to agitate the soaked sample.

 ATT-26 3.2 Sieve Analysis (Cont'd)

5. Wait for a few seconds to allow the sand to settle and pour the dirty water
from the aggregate through the 80 Fm sieve. Do not overload the 80 Fm
sieve.

6. Use the paint brush to slowly stir the water retained on the 80 Fm sieve until
the water passes into the sink or contractor pail below.

7. Washing dirty aggregate may plug up the 80 Fm sieve. When the screen
plugs up, it is difficult for the wash water to pass through. When this occurs,
pour clean water directly on the 80 Fm sieve. Use the paint brush to stir the
material on top of the 80 Fm sieve. When the water passing the sieve runs
clear, empty the material on the sieve into a drying pan as directed in step 10
(e). This speeds up the washing process.

8. Add clean water to the aggregate in the plastic pail and again agitate the
sample. Allow the sand to settle. Pour the dirty water through the 80 Fm
sieve.

9. Repeat steps 6 to 8 until the water below the 80 Fm sieve runs clear.

10. Use the battery filler and clean water to transfer the aggregate remaining in
the plastic pail and retained on the 80 Fm sieve into a clean, large, tared
drying pan as follows:

a) Drain as much water as possible from the aggregate in the plastic pail
through the 80 Fm sieve.

b) Turn the plastic pail over in the drying pan and tap the bottom.

c) Turn the pail upright and flush any aggregate adhering to the sides of the
pail to the bottom, and repeat step (a).

d) Use the battery syringe to flush the aggregate remaining in the pail into
the 80 Fm sieve.

e) Wash the aggregate in the 80 Fm sieve until it runs clear. Then wash the
material to one side and flush it into the drying pan.

f) Carefully pour any excess water out of the drying pan, taking care not to
loose any aggregate.

11. Dry the aggregate in the drying pan to a constant weight, as directed in ATT-
14, MOISTURE CONTENT, Open Pan Method.

12. Weigh the dried hot sample and tare pan and record as dry wash weight +
pan in the calculations portion of the data sheet.

13. Calculate the dry weight of the washed aggregate by subtracting the weight
of the drying pan from the weight of sample and pan. Record as Dry Wash
Wt. at the bottom of the Wt. Retained column.
 ATT-26 3.2 Sieve Analysis (Cont'd)

NOTE: Do not use the Dry Wash Wt. to calculate the grading of the sample,
since most of the minus 80 Fm material has been washed away.
This figure is only used as a check, to determine if there are weighing
errors or if material was lost during the dry sieving of the sample.

14. Allow the aggregate to cool until it can be touched.

15. Stack the sieves together in order of sizes and attach the pan to the 80 Fm
sieve.

16. Pour the cool aggregate into the top sieve and shake the stacked sieves and
aggregate for about 30 seconds to initially separate the sizes. To avoid loss
of material, place the lid on the top size sieve.

If using a mechanical sieve shaker, refer to Section 4.0.

17. Remove the sieve pan, place its material into a clean pie plate and set the pie
plate aside.

18. Place the stacked sieves on a clean pie plate.

19. Carefully, so that no material is lost, remove the top size sieve containing the
retained aggregate and nestle it into the sieve pan. Sieve this material using
a lateral and vertical motion of the sieve, accompanied by jarring action so as
to keep the sample moving continuously over the surface of the sieve.

20. After a minute of sieving, remove the sieve from the sieve pan, taking care
not to lose any material.

21. Place the aggregate trapped in the sieve pan, into the next lower size sieve
at the top of the stacked sieves.

22. Set the sieve pan back under the sieve and continue sieving until less than
0.5% of the total dry sample weight passes when sieved for 1 minute. The
total sample weight is shown on line "J" of MAT 6-25, line and MAT 6-101, or
line "AA" of MAT 6-79 data sheet.

23. Set a drying pan or pie plate on the scale and tare it. Record the weight on
the "Calculations" portion of the data sheet. Use this pie plate or pan to weigh
the weight retained on all sieves, so that the tare weight is constant
throughout the test.

24. Place the aggregate retained on the top size sieve into the tared pie plate.
Thoroughly clean the sieve onto the pie plate.

25. Weigh the aggregate and the tared plate or pan and record the weight in the
calculations portion. Calculate the Weight Retained and enter it on the line
corresponding to the 20 000 Fm, 16 000 Fm, 12 500 Fm or 10 000 Fm sieve,
depending on the top size of material being used.
 ATT-26 3.2 Sieve Analysis (Cont'd)

26. Place the oversize aggregate in a separate pie plate and save it until the test
is complete, in case a weighing error is found when performing the
calculations.

27. Perform steps 17 to 24 with all remaining sieves and determine the weight
retained on each sieve.

For the 200 mm diameter sieves with screen sizes of 80 to 1250 Fm, the
weight retained on the sieve at the completion of the sieving operation should
not exceed 200 g. If the anticipated weight retained on those fine sieves is
excessive:

a) Separate the material on the sieve into two (or more) portions,
(depending on how much it exceeds 200 g),

b) Dry sieve each portion separately, and

c) Re-combine the material retained on the sieve from each portion before
weighing.

28. Place the material passing the 80 Fm sieve in the tared pan and add the
material in the pie plate saved from step 17 (also -80 Fm material), weigh it
and record it in the "Calculations" portion of the data sheet.

29. Calculate the weight of the -80 Fm material retained in the sieve pan. Record
it in the Wt. Retained column on the "Sieve Pan" line.

30. Add all the figures in the Weight Retained column, including the weight of
material in the sieve pan.

31. Calculate the % Difference using the formula:

Dry Wash Wt. & Total Wt. Retained
' × 100%
Dry Wash Wt.

If the difference is larger than 0.5%:

a) Check the calculations.

b) Check the scale and re-zero it, if necessary.

c) Re-weigh all tares as well as the material retained in each sieve and kept
in the pie plates.

d) If testing virgin aggregate and the error is not found, soak the moisture
content sample in water for ½ hour, then perform a wash sieve analysis
test on this sample as directed in Section 3.2.
 ATT-26 3.3 Calculations

3.3 Calculations

Calculate the dry weight of the sieve analysis sample as directed in:

a) Section 3.3.1 below if testing virgin aggregate, or

b) Test method ATT-12, Part I, Section 3.1.4 or

ATT-12, Part II, Section 3.1.5, if testing extracted aggregate.
Record the dry weight of the extracted aggregate on line "AA" of form
MAT 6-79 or line "J" of MAT 6-101, and proceed to Section 3.3.2.

3.3.1 Virgin Aggregate Sample Dry Weight

1. Calculate the weight of water removed while drying the moisture sample (line
"C" of MAT 6-25) as follows:

= (Wt. of Wet Sample + Pan) - (Wt. of Dry Sample + Pan)

2. Determine the dry weight of the moisture sample

(line "E" of MAT 6-25) using the formula:

= (Wt. of Dry Sample + Pan) - (Wt. of Pan)

3. Calculate the moisture content in percent of the virgin aggregate

(line "F" of MAT 6-25) as follows:
Wt. of Water
Moisture Content (%) ' × 100%
Wt. of Dry Sample

4. Determine the wet weight of the sieve analysis sample

(line "I" of MAT 6-25) as follows:

= (Wt. of Wet Sample + Pan) - (Wt. of Pan)

5. Calculate the dry weight of the sieve analysis sample

(line "J" of MAT 6-25) using the formula:
Wt. of Wet Sample
Wt. of Dry Sample (g) ' × 100%
100 % Moisture Content in %

3.3.2 Percent Passing

3. Determine the weight passing the top size sieve as follows:

= Wt. of Dry Sample - Wt. Retained on the top size sieve

4. Determine the weight passing the other sieves as follows:

= Wt. Passing the previous sieve - Wt. Retained on sieve

 MIX ASPHALT CONTENT AND SIEVE ANALYSIS
PROJECT DISTRICT

CONTRACT NO. DATE SAMPLED

LOT NO. SAMPLE NO. TIME SAMPLED

MIX MOISTURE CONTENT EXTRACTION DATA

A. WT. OF MOIST SAMPLE + PAN g K. DRY WT. OF MIX LINE "E" or LINE "J" g

B. WT. OF DRY SAMPLE + PAN g L. EXTRACTED DRY WT. OF AGG + PAN g

C WT. OF WATER A-B g M. WT. OF TARE PAN (NO. ) g

D. WT. OF TARE PAN (PAN NO.___) g N. EXTRACTED DRY WT. OF AGG M-L g

E. WT. DRY SAMPLE B-D g O. WT OF CENTRIFUGE DRY FINES & BEAKER g

F. MIX MOISTURE CONTENT 100 C/E % P. WT. OF BEAKER NO. ) g

TIME PLACED IN OVEN h-min Q. WT OF CENTRIFUGED FINES O-P g

TIME TAKEN OUT OF OVEN h-min R. TOTAL WT. OF DRY AGG. g N + Qg gg

DRYING TIME h-min S. WT. OF ASPHALT K-R g

TIME EXTRACTION STARTED h-min T. ASPHALT CONTENT 100 S/R %

TIME EXTRACTION COMPLETED h-min U. ASPHALT CONTENT CORRECTION FACTOR %

EXTRACTION TIME h-min V. CORRECTED ASPHALT CONTENT T+U %

WT. OF SAMPLE USING WT. OF SAMPLE USING

CALCULATED SAMPLE DRY WEIGHT METHOD OVEN DRIED METHOD

G. WT. OF MOIST MIX + PAN g B1. WT. OF DRY MIX + PAN g

H. WT. OF PAN g H. WT. OF PAN (PAN NO.___) g

I. WT. OF MOIST MIX G-H g J. WT. OF DRY MIX B1 - H g

J. WT. OF DRY MIX 100 I / (100 + F) g

SIEVE ANALYSIS CALCULATIONS

WT. OF DRY AGGREGATE (R) _______________________ g RECORD CALCULATIONS

SIEVE SIZE WEIGHT WEIGHT PERCENT DESIGN

Fm RETAINED PASSING PASSING LIMITS
g g % %

16 000
12 500
10 000
5 000
1 250
630
315 DATE TESTED
160 DATA CHECKED
80 REMARKS
TARE PAN DIFFERENCE % DIFFERENCE MAXIMUM
DIFFERENC
TOTAL WEIGHT (W) X-W 100 Y / X E

DRY WASH WT. (X) (Y) 0.5 % MAT6-101/96

FIGURE 2
 ATT-26 3.3.2 Percent Passing (Cont'd)

FIGURE 3
 ATT-26 3.4. Aggregate Sample Appearance

5. Calculate the % passing each sieve as follows:

Wt. Passing
Percent Passing (%) ' × 100%
Wt. of Dry Sample

6. Enter in the next column the contract specifications limits for the designation
and class of aggregate being tested and compare them to the sieve analysis
results.

3.4 Aggregate Sample Appearance

1. Visually inspect the cold aggregate moisture sample and check the applicable
items in the Sample Appearance portion of MAT 6-25 data sheet.

2. Estimate the dry strength of the fines in the pit run aggregate as follows:

a) Sieve the moisture sample through the 315 Fm sieve.

b) Proceed with ATT-29, SOILS IDENTIFICATION, Hand Method, using at

least 300 g of the -315 Fm material.

4.0 MECHANICAL SIEVE SHAKER

Mechanical sieve shakers may be used after their effectiveness is established for
each aggregate source and designation and class.

The minimum shaking time for a mechanical sieve shaker is determined in Section
4.1 below. The effectiveness of the mechanical sieve shaker must be compared to
the hand-sieving method as directed in Section 4.2.

4.1 Sieve Shaker Required Shaking Time

1. Obtain a representative sample of aggregate as described in ATT-38,

SAMPLING, Gravel and Sand, or use the extracted aggregate.

2. Process the sample as directed in Sections 3.1 and 3.2. The aggregate
sample must meet the minimum sieve sample size shown in Table 1. The
sample size used for this evaluation is used as a standard.

All subsequent samples processed with the mechanical sieve shaker shall be within
20% of this weight and must meet the minimum sample size requirement. A new
evaluation must be performed if this criteria is not consistently met. However, a new
evaluation is not necessary if hand-sieving is used to check the mechanical shaker.
 ATT-26 4.0 Mechanical Sieve Shaker

3. Place the loaded stacked sieves, with the sieve pan and top in place, in the
shaker.

4. Turn on the mechanical shaker for at least 5 minutes.

5. Weigh each sieve and the material retained on the sieve.

6. For each sieve calculate the weight passing and the % Passing as described
in Section 3.3.2.

7. Reassemble the sieves, place the sieves in the mechanical shaker, and
shake for at least one more minute.

8. Weigh each sieve and the material retained on the sieve.

9. For each sieve again calculate the weight passing and the % Passing as
described in Section 3.3.2.

10. Repeat Steps 5 to 9 until the difference in % Passing is less than 0.5% for the
topsize to 315 sieves and 0.05% for the 160 and 80 sieves.

11. The minimum required shaking time for the mechanical shaker for all
subsequent sieves shall be 125% of the total shaking time required to achieve
the above criteria. This is determined by multiplying the total time by 1.25.

4.2 Verification of Mechanical Shaker to Hand Sieving

1. Process another sample as described in Sections 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 .

2. Recombine the processed sample, weigh and record as total sample weight.

3. Re-sieve the sample using the mechanical sieve shaker for the required
shaking time established in step 11 of Section 4.1.

4. Calculate the % Passing as described in Section 3.3.2.

5. The mechanical sieve shaker is comparable to hand sieving when:

a. The % Passing the topsize to 315 sieves are within ± 0.4% of hand sieving
and

b. The % Passing the 160 and 80 sieves are within ± 0.04% of hand sieving.
 ATT-26 5.0 Hints and Precautions

5.0 HINTS AND PRECAUTIONS

1. Normally two 80 Fm sieves are used for this procedure. One is used for
washing and the other for the dry sieve analysis. However, if there is need
to dry the sieve used for washing, place it on top of the oven; do not overheat
it because the mesh size could change.

2. Clean the sieves after each sieve analysis test. Use the circular sieve brush
to clean the 630 Fm, 315 Fm, 160 Fm and 80 Fm sieves by brushing lightly
on the bottom side of the mesh. Use the putty knife on the larger sieves.

3. Always nestle the 80 Fm sieve in the sieve pan and cover it with the lid when
the sieve is not in use.

4. The 80 Fm and 160 Fm sieves have very fine mesh which could easily be
punctured. Therefore, do not place material on the 80 Fm or 160 Fm sieves
that has not passed through the 315 Fm sieve first.

5. Follow the directions in the Equipment Section E.16, Sieves for the care and
handling of sieves

6. The mechanical sieve shaker may cause degradation. This can be noted by
an increase in % Passing above the limits described in the verification
procedure, Section 4.2.

7. Whenever there is a discrepancy between mechanical and hand sieving, the

hand sieve results shall rule.