CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING

CE 223

Submitted By: Submitted To:

Jhon Emmanuel B. Acolentaba Engr. Gilda D Borbon
BSCE – 2A Course Instructor

Performed By (Group):
Jhon Emmanuel Acolentaba
Chad Kirby Avelino
Deceree Escoltero
James Andrei Leonida
Jeeper Fano
Jhudiel John Martinez

Performed On:
January 30, 2025
Laboratory Exercise No. 3

Sieve Analysis of Coarse Aggregates

Discussion

Sieve analysis is used to determine the particle size distribution or gradation of an

aggregate. A suitable gradation of an aggregate in a concrete mix is desirable in order to
secure workability of the mixture and economy in the use of cement. For asphalt concrete,
suitable gradation only affect the work ability of the mixture and economy in the use of the
other important properties.

Objective

To determine the particle size distribution of coarse aggregates through sieve analysis
for assessing their suitability in concrete and asphalt mixtures.

Standard No. ASTM C 136-76

AASHTO T 27-74

Essential Equipment:
1. Set of sieves

2. Containers

Testing Procedure:
1. Obtain proper weight of dry aggregate.

a. Coarse aggregate: 10,000 grams use method of quartering or sample splitter.

2. Assemble sieves in the following order:

a. for coarse aggregated: 1", 3/4", 1/2", 3/8", #4, #8, pan
3. Place the weighted aggregates in the top of the sieve stack and cover with the lid. Properly
secure the sieves in the mechanical shaker and turn on the shaker for five minutes. In case of
the absence of mechanical shaker, shake the stack of sieves with your hands continuously for
the same time.

4. Weigh the materials that are retained on each of the sieves, including the weight retained
on the pan, and record in the data sheet. If the sum of these weights are not within 1 percent
of the original sample weight, the procedure should be repeated. Otherwise, use the sum of
the weight retained to calculate the percentage on each sieve.

5. Compute the cumulative percent retained, and the percent passing each sieve.

6. Plot the gradation curves for the coarse and fine aggregates from the experiment on the
graph provided. Plot the specified gradation curves for the coarse and fine aggregates (to be
specified by the laboratory instructor). Plot the combined grading curve using 40% coarse
and 60% fine aggregate.

SIEVE SIZES
U.S.
Standard
Sieve Size Clear Opening in Inches
1 1/2” --------------------------------------------------------------- 1.5
1” --------------------------------------------------------------- 1
3/4” --------------------------------------------------------------- 0.75
1/2" --------------------------------------------------------------- 0.50
3/8” --------------------------------------------------------------- 0.375
No. 4 --------------------------------------------------------------- 0.187
No. 8 --------------------------------------------------------------- 0.0937

MIN. MASS OF SAMPLE FOR SIEVE ANALYSIS OF COARSE

AGGREGATES
Size of Particles Min. Mass of Sample in Kg.
2 ---------------------------------------------------------------- 20
1 1/2 ---------------------------------------------------------------- 15
1 ---------------------------------------------------------------- 10
3/4 ---------------------------------------------------------------- 5
1/2 ---------------------------------------------------------------- 2
3/8 ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1
 Process Picture Description

A 10 kg sample was
1. Taking an Initial Sample collected and weighed. The
and Weighing samples were taken from the
set aside aggregates of the
previous laboratory
experiment.

The collected samples are

2. Sieving the Coarse then passed through various
Aggregates sizes of sieve. The sieve sizes
were 1”, ¾”, ½”, 3/8”, No.4
and No. 8.

The aggregates that failed to

3. Weighing of Retained pass through a sieve are then
Aggregates collected and weighed. The
weight measured are then
recorded and plotted.

After measuring the weight

of the retained aggregates of
4. Analysis of Data each sieve, the data are than
organized and used to
calculate the cumulative
weight retained and the
percentage of passing.

.
 COARSE AGGREGATE

Initial Weight: 10 Kg

Cum. Cum. %
Sieve No. Weight Retained Weight Retained % Passing
(Kg) Retained

1” 0.11 0.11 1.10% 98.9%

3/4" 2.94 3.05 30.53% 69.47%

1/2" 5.17 8.22 82.28% 17.72%

3/8” 1.15 9.37 93.79% 6.21%

No. 4 0.59 9.96 99.70% 0.3%

No. 8 0.02 9.98 99.90% 0.1%

Pan 0.01 9.99 100% 0

TOTAL 9.99

GRADUATION CURVES

100

P
90
E
R 80
C
E 70
N
60
T
50

P 40
A
30
S
S
20
I
N 10

0
#8 #4 3 1 3 1”

8 2 4
SIEVE SIZE
OBSERVATIONS
During the sieve analysis, we carefully separated the aggregate particles based on their
sizes using a series of sieves. Each sieve retained a specific fraction of the sample, and we
recorded the weight of the material left on each one. The process was systematic, and
accuracy was crucial—any deviation in the total weight had to be within 1% of the original
sample weight. Fortunately, our results fell within this range, confirming the reliability of
our measurements.

One interesting observation was how different aggregate sizes affected the distribution
curve. Some samples had a more even spread across the sieves, while others showed a
concentration in certain sizes. This made me realize just how much the gradation of
aggregates can impact the overall quality of a concrete or asphalt mix. A well-graded
aggregate leads to better packing, reducing voids and ensuring a more stable and durable
final product.

CONCLUSION

Through sieve analysis laboratory experiment, I successfully determined the particle

size distribution of the coarse aggregates, confirming their gradation and suitability for use
in concrete and asphalt mixtures. The results showed that the aggregates met the required
specifications, ensuring proper workability and economy in material use. This analysis
reinforced the importance of accurate testing in achieving quality construction materials.
APPENDICES