Sieve Analysis
Concrete Mix Design
Technician School
Pg 173
Terms and Definitions
Aggregate.
An inert filler material, such as crushed
stone, gravel, and sand which is mixed
with cement and water to make concrete.
Coarse Aggregate.
Generally aggregate larger than 1/2" in
diameter, referred to as stone or gravel.
Fine Aggregate
Pg 174
A natural silica or manufactured aggregate smaller than 1/4" in
diameter, normally referred to as sand.
Sieve Analysis
A process in which an aggregate is separated into its various sizes
by passing it through screens of various size openings for the
purpose of determining the distribution of the quantities separated.
Gradation of an Aggregate
The relative amounts of aggregate particles of consecutively larger
and smaller sizes.
Pg 175
Maximum Size of Aggregate
The smallest sieve opening through which the
entire amount of the aggregate is required to
pass.
Nominal Maximum Size of Aggregate
The smallest sieve opening through which the
entire amount of the aggregate is permitted to
pass.
Pg 17
Standard Sieves
Coarse Aggregate
6", 3", 1 1/2", 3/4", 3/8", and
No.4
Fine Aggregate
Nos. 4, 8, 16, 30, 50, and 100
Affect of Particle Size on
Aggregate Surface Area.
One 1- in cube of
aggregate. Surface area
= 6 x 1 x 1 = 6 sq in
27 1/3 - in cubes of aggregate.
Surface area = 6 x 1/3 x 1/3 x 27
=18 sq in.
Sieve Analysis Procedure

Take a representative sample.

Reduce to proper size for testing.
Sampling
Sieve Analysis
Pg 24
Table 1005-1
North Carolina Department of Transportation
Standard Specifications
Coarse Aggregate Gradation
Sieve
Percent by Weight Passing Each Sieve
Std Size
1 ½”
1”
¾”
½”
3/8”
No. 4
No. 8
No. 200
#57
100
95-100
-
25-60
-
0-10
0-5
0-0.6*
#67
-
100
90-100
-
20-55
0-10
0-5
0-0.6*
#78M
-
-
100
98-100
75-100
20-45
0-15
0-0.6*
Pg 24
Coarse Aggregate Gradation
When tested during production the
amount passing the No. 200 sieve
may be no greater than 0.6% by
weight.
 When tested at the job site prior to
use , the amount of material passing
the No. 200 sieve shall not be
greater than 1.5% by weight.

Coarse Aggregate Gradation

If a stockpile at the job site is found to
contain in excess of 1.5% passing the
No.200 sieve prior to use, the engineer
may approve its use provided the total %
by weight passing the the no 200 sieve in
the combined coarse and fine aggregate
does not exceed 2%, & no increase in
W/C ratio is required by the use of this
aggregate.
Pg 25
Table 1005-2
Aggregate Gradation of Fine Aggregate
Percentage of Total by Weight Passing
STD
½”
3/8”
#4
#8
#16
#30
#50
#100
#200
2S
-
100
95-100
80-100
45-95
25-75
5-30
0-10
0-3
2MS
-
100
95-100
80-100
45-95
25-75
5-35
0-20
0-8*
Size
Pg 25
Fine Aggregate Gradation
When tested during production the
amount of material passing the
No.200 sieve shall not be greater
than 8%.
 When tested at the job site prior to
use, the amount of material passing
the No. 200 sieve shall not be
greater than 10%.

Pg 26
200 Sieve Washing Procedure
In a fine and coarse aggregate sieve
analysis, the representative sample
is washed over a No. 200 sieve.
 The portion retained in the No. 200
sieve is dried and weighed.
 The loss is then recorded in
accordance with AASHTO T11.

Mass of Sample after Pg 27
Drying, AASHTO T11 6.2
Nominal Max Size
Min. Mass, grams
4.75mm (No 4)
300
9.5mm (3/8 in)
1000
19mm (3/4 in)
2500
37.5 mm (1 ½ in)
5000
Pg 27
No.200 Sieve Calculation

Percent passing No. 200 sieve =
Total dry wt – wt after washing x 100
Total dry wt
Pg 28
Example 200 Sieve Problem

Total dry wt
Wt after washing

Gram mat’l passing 200


9.1 grams x 100
514.0 grams
514.0 grams
504.9 grams
9.1 grams
= 1.8% passing
Sieve Analysis Example
Pg 29
Total weight of the sample oven dry
(before washing)
= 514.0 grams
Oven dry wt.(after washing No.200 sieve)
= 504.9 grams
Sieve Size
Grams Ret.
3/8
#4
#8
#16
#30
#50
#100
Pan
#200
0
15.4
36.0
102.8
103.4
159.3
71.4
16.6
Cum
Grams
Retained
0
15.4
51.4
154.2
257.6
416.9
488.3
504.9
Washing
method
Cum %
Retained
Percent
Passing
NCDOT
Specs
0
3
10
30
50
81
95
100
97
90
70
50
19
5
100
95-100
80-100
45-95
25-75
5-30
0-10
1.8
0-3
Does this 2S Sand meet NCDOT Specifications?
Yes
Pg 33
Sieve Analysis Problem 1
Sieve Analysis– No. 1
SA P-1
Check the following sieve analysis of a sample of natural sand for use in concrete and determine
if it meets NCDOT requirements for Type 2S Sand. Circle the sieve not passing, if any.
Total weight of the sample oven dry (before washing) 520.3 grams
Oven dry wt.(after washing No.200 sieve) = 514.9 grams
(520.3-514.9) / 520.3 x 100 = 1.0%
Sieve Size
Grams Ret.
3/8
#4
#8
#16
#30
#50
#100
Pan
#200
0
0
26.2
113.6
133.0
162.1
73.2
6.8
Cum
Grams
Retained
0
0
26.2
139.8
272.8
434.9
508.1
514.9
Washing
method
Cum %
Retained
Percent
Passing
NCDOT
Specs
0
0
5
27
52
84
98
100
100
95
73
48
16
2
100
95-100
80-100
45-95
25-75
5-30
0-10
1.0
0-3
Does this 2S Sand meet NCDOT Specifications?
Yes
Pg 34
Sieve Analysis Problem 2
Sieve Analysis– No. 2
SA P-2
Check the following sieve analysis of a sample of natural sand for use in concrete and
determine if it meets NCDOT requirements for Type 2S Sand. Circle the sieve not passing, if
any.
Total weight of the sample oven dry (before washing) = 529.2 grams
Oven dry wt.(after washing No.200 sieve) = 518.1 grams
(529.2 – 518.1) / 529.2 x 100 = 2.1%
Sieve Size
Grams Ret.
3/8
#4
#8
#16
#30
#50
#100
Pan
#200
0
11.4
20.2
105.8
85.9
180.6
88.1
26.1
Cum
Grams
Retained
0
11.4
31.6
137.4
223.3
403.9
492.0
518.1
Washing
method
Cum %
Retained
Percent
Passing
NCDOT
Specs
0
2
6
26
42
76
93
100
98
94
74
58
24
7
100
95-100
80-100
45-95
25-75
5-30
0-10
2.1
0-3
Does this 2S Sand meet NCDOT Specifications?
Yes
Pg 35
Sieve Analysis Problem 3
SA P-3
Check the following sieve analysis of a sample of natural sand for use in concrete and
determine if it meets NCDOT requirements for Type 2MS Sand. This sample was taken at the
job site. Circle the sieve not passing, if any.
Total weight of the sample oven dry(before washing) = 547.9 grams
Oven dry wt.(after washing No.200 sieve)
Sieve Size
Grams Ret.
3/8
#4
#8
#16
#30
#50
#100
Pan
#200
0
6.7
62.1
114.6
161.9
97.2
51.4
8.6
Cum
Grams
Retained
0
6.7
68.8
183.4
345.3
442.5
493.9
502.5
Washing
method
= 502.5 grams
(547.9-502.5) / 547.9 x 100 = 8.3
Cum %
Retained
0
1
13
33
63
81
90
Does this 2MS Sand meet NCDOT Specifications?
Yes
Percent
Passing
NCDOT
Specs
100
99
87
67
37
19
10
100
95-100
80-100
45-95
25-75
5-35
0-20
8.3
0-10
Pg 36
Sieve Analysis Problem 4
Sieve Analysis– No. 4
SA P-4
Check the following sieve analysis of a sample of coarse aggregate for use in concrete and
determine if it meets NCDOT requirements for No. 67 stone. This sample was taken at a
Ready Mix Plant. Circle the sieve not passing, if any.
Using the washing method, it was determined the Percentage Passing the No.200 sieve is 0.9
percent.
Total weight of sample (oven dry) =
37.6 pounds
Sieve Size
Lbs. Ret.
1 in
¾ in
3/8 in
#4
#8
Pan
0
3.8
23.6
7.8
1.8
0.6
#200
Cum
Grams
Retained
0
3.8
27.4
35.2
37.0
37.6
Cum %
Retained
0
10
73
94
98
Washing
method
Does this 67 Stone meet NCDOT Specifications?
Yes
Percent
Passing
NCDOT
Specs
100
90
27
6
2
100
90-100
20-55
0-10
0-5
0.9
0-1.5
Pg 37
Sieve Analysis Problem 5
Sieve Analysis– No. 5
SA P-5
Check the following sieve analysis of a sample of coarse aggregate for use in concrete and
determine if it meets NCDOT requirements for No. 57 stone. This sample was taken during
production. Circle the sieve not passing, if any.
Using the washing method, it was determined the Percentage Passing the No.200 sieve is 1.2
percent.
Total weight of sample (oven dry)
Sieve Size
Lbs. Ret.
1 ½ in
1 in
1/2 in
#4
#8
Pan
0
1.4
24.9
6.2
2.0
0.7
#200
=
Cum
Grams
Retained
0
1.4
26.3
32.5
34.5
35.2
35.2 pounds
Cum %
Retained
0
4
75
92
98
Washing
method
Does this 57 Stone meet NCDOT Specifications?
No
Percent
Passing
NCDOT
Specs
100
96
25
8
2
100
90-100
25-60
0-10
0-5
1.2
0-0.6
Fineness Modulus
Pg 39

Fine Modulus – An index to the
coarseness or fineness of an
aggregate.

Fineness Modulus (FM) – Defined
mathematically as the sum of the
cumulative percentages retained on
the standard sieves divided by 100.
Pg 39
Fineness Modulus
FM of fine aggregate should not be
less than 2.30 or more than 3.10,
nor vary by more than 0.20 from
batch to batch.
 Coarse Sand
2.80 - 3.10
 Medium
2.50 - 2.80
 Fine Sand
2.30 - 2.50

Pg 39
The Standard Sieves






6 in
3 in
1 ½ in
¾ in
3/8 in
#4





#8
#16
#30
#50
#100
Fine agg. range 3/8 - #100
Coarse agg. range 6 in - #8
Table 5.3.6
Pg 39
Table 5.3.6 gives the volume of dry
rodded coarse aggregate per unit
volume of concrete for different
fineness moduli of sand.
 If the size of coarse aggregate and
fineness modulus is known, the
volume of dry rodded coarse
aggregate can be obtained from the
table.

Pg 39
Table 5.3.6
The proportion of coarse and fine
aggregate in a concrete mix depend
upon the fineness modulus of the
fine aggregate and the size of the
coarse aggregate.
 The volume of coarse aggregate
increases or decreases to maintain a
constant surface area or a constant
water demand.

Pg 40
Table 5.3.6

The variable is the fineness or
coarseness (FM) of the sand.
Pg 41
ACI Table 5.3.6. – Volume of Coarse Aggregate
Per Unit of Volume of Concrete
Nominal Maximum size
of aggregate,
(inches)
Volume of dry- rodded coarse agg. Per Unit
Volume of concrete for different FM of sand
2.30
2.40
2.50
2.60
2.70
2.80
2.90
3.00
3/8
0.51
0.50
0.49
0.48
0.47
0.46
0.45
0.44
1/2
0.60
0.59
0.58
0.57
0.56
0.55
0.54
0.53
3/4
0.67
0.66
0.65
0.64
0.63
0.62
0.61
0.60
1
0.72
0.71
0.70
0.69
0.68
0.67
0.66
0.65
1 1/2
0.76
0.75
0.74
0.73
0.72
0.71
0.70
0.69
2
0.79
0.78
0.77
0.76
0.75
0.74
0.73
0.72
3
0.83
0.82
0.81
0.80
0.79
0.78
0.77
0.76
* Volumes are based on aggregates in dry- rodded condition
as described in ASTM C 29 for Unit Weight on Aggregate.
FinenessFineness
Modulus
- Example
Modulus - Example
Pg 42
Complete the following sieve analysis of a sample of natural sand for use in concrete and determine the fineness modulus of this
material.
Total weight of the sample oven dry (before washing)
= 514.8 grams
Oven dry wt. (after washing No.200)
= 504.0 grams
Sieve Size
Grams Ret
Cum
Grams
Retained
0
15.1
50.4
119.9
289.1
434.2
490.9
504.0
3/8 in
#4
#8
#16
#30
#50
#100
Pan
0
15.1
35.3
69.5
169.2
145.1
56.7
13.1
FM =
3+10+23+56+84+95 =
100
2.71
Cum %
Retained
0
3
10
23
56
84
95
Fineness Modulus Problem
Pg 48
No.1
Fineness Modulus – No.1
Complete the following sieve analysis of a sample of natural sand for use in concrete and determine the fineness modulus of this material.
Total weight of the sample oven dry
(before washing)
= 573.0 grams
(573.0-558.4)/573 x 100 = 2.5%
Oven dry wt. (after washing No.200) = 558.4 grams
Sieve Size
Grams Ret
3/8 in
#4
#8
#16
#30
#50
#100
Pan
0
0
24.9
149.0
114.6
143.3
93.6
33.0
#200
( washing method)
FM =
0+0+4+30+50+75+92
100
Cum
Grams
Retained
0
0
24.9
173.9
288.5
431.8
525.4
558.4
=
Cum %
Retained
0
0
4
30
50
75
92
2.51
Is this a coarse, median or fine sand?
Medium
FM P-1
Percent
Passing
NCDOT
Specs
100
100
96
70
50
25
8
100
95-100
80-100
45-90
25-75
5-30
0-10
2.5
0-3
Fineness Modulus Problem
No.2
Pg 49
Complete the following sieve analysis of a sample of natural sand for use in concrete and determine the fineness modulus of
this material.
Total weight of the sample oven dry
(before washing)
= 520.5 grams
(520.5-500.3)/520.5 x 100 = 3.9
Oven dry wt. (after washing No.200) = 500.3 grams
Sieve
Size
Grams Ret
3/8 in
#4
#8
#16
#30
#50
#100
Pan
0
36.3
41.5
197.0
46.7
67.4
93.3
18.1
#200
( washing method)
FM =
0+7+15+53+62+75+93
100
Cum
Grams
Retained
0
36.3
77.8
274.8
321.5
388.9
482.2
500.3
=
Is this a coarse, median or fine sand?
Cum %
Retained
Percent
Passing
NCDOT
Specs
0
7
15
53
62
75
93
100
93
85
47
38
25
7
100
95-100
80-100
45-90
25-75
5-30
0-10
3.9
0-3
3.05
FM P-2
Coarse
Fineness Modulus Problem
No. 3
Pg 50
FM P-3
Check the following sieve analysis of a sample of fine aggregate for use in concrete and determine if it meets NCDOT
requirements for 2MS Sand. This sample was taken at the R/M plant. Circle the sieve not passing, if any.
Total weight of the sample oven dry (before washing) = 532.4 grams
Oven dry wt.(after washing No.200 sieve)
(532.4-509.7)/ 532.4 x 100 = 4.3%
= 509.7 grams
Sieve Size
Grams Ret.
Cum Grams
Retained
Cum %
Retained
Percent
Passing
NCDOT
Specs
3/8
#4
0
7.5
0
7.5
0
1
100
99
100
95-100
#8
12.7
20.2
4
96
80-100
#16
#30
#50
#100
Pan
#200
159.7
74.6
188.7
53.4
13.1
179.9
254.5
443.2
496.6
509.7
Washing
method
34
48
83
93
66
52
17
7
45-95
25-75
5-35
0-20
4.3
0-10
Does this 2MS Sand meet NCDOT Specifications?
What is the F.M.
Yes
2.63
Is this a coarse, medium, or fine sand? Medium
Fineness Modulus Problem
Pg 51
No.4
Check the following sieve analysis of a sample of fine aggregate for use in concrete and determine if it meets NCDOT
requirements for 2S Sand. This sample was taken during production. Circle the sieve not passing, if any.
Total weight of the sample oven dry
(before washing)
=
524.3 grams
Oven dry wt.(after washing No.200 sieve)
=
514.5 grams
(524.3-514.5) / 524.3 x 100 = 1.9%
Sieve Size
Grams Ret.
Cum Grams
Retained
Cum %
Retained
Percent
Passing
NCDOT Specs
3/8
0
0
0
100
100
#4
36.9
36.9
7
93
95-100
#8
20.8
57.7
11
89
80-100
#16
127.4
185.1
35
65
45-95
#30
180.1
365.2
70
30
25-75
#50
81.6
446.8
85
15
5-30
#100
51.6
498.4
95
5
0-10
Pan
16.1
514.5
1.9
0-3
#200
Washing
method
Does this 2S Sand meet NCDOT Specifications?
No
What is the F.M.
3.03
Is this a coarse, medium or fine sand? Coarse
FM P-4
TERMS I SHOULD KNOW?
Fineness Modulus
 Nominal Maximum Size
 Sieve Analysis
 Water Reducing Agent
 Workability
 HOLD ON A MINUTE AND LET ME
MARK THOSE IN THE BACK OF MY
BOOK!!

Homework
Homework 1
W hat is the fineness m o dulus o f the fo llo w ing m aterial?
S ieve
1 ½ in
1 in
¾ in
½ in
3/8 in
#4
#8
#16
#30
#50
#70
#100
#200
FM
=
C um % R etained
0
C um % P assing
100
95
85
80
75
60
50
40
30
15
10
5
0
15
25
40
50
60
70
85
95
0 + 15 + 25 + 40 + 50 + 60 + 70 + 85 + 95
100
=
4.40
Homework 2
T he fineness m o dulus o f a m aterial w hich all passes the ¾ in. sieve and is all retained o n
the 3/8 in. sieve is :
S ieve
3/4
3/8
#4
#8
#16
#30
#50
#100
FM =
G ram s R et.
0
150
0
0
0
0
0
0
C um . G ram s R et.
0
150
150
150
150
150
150
150
0 + 100 + 100 + 100 + 100 + 100 + 100 + 100
100
=
C um . % R et.
0
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
7.0
Quiz
C heck the fo llo w ing sieve analysis o f a sam ple o f fine aggregate fo r use in co ncrete and
determ ine if it m eets N C D O T requirem ents fo r 2S S an d . T his sam ple w as taken at the
R /M p lan t. C ircle the sieve no t passing, if any.
T o tal w eight o f the sam ple o ven d ry
(befo re w ashing)
=
504.1 gram s
O ven dry w t.(after w ashing N o .200 sieve)
=
501.6 gram s
2.5
S ieve S ize
G ram s R et.
3/8
#4
#8
#16
#30
#50
#100
P an
#200
0
0
5.0
60.5
176.5
171.4
75.5
12.7
/
504.1
Cum
G ram s
R etain ed
x 100
Cum %
R etain ed
=
P ercen t
P assin g
0.5 % P assing
NCDOT
S p ecs
100
9 5-1 0 0
8 0-1 0 0
4 5-9 5
2 5-7 5
8-3 0
.5 -1 0
W ashing
m etho d
0-3
D o es this 2S S and m eet N C D O T S pecificatio ns?
W hat is the F.M .
Is this a co arse, m edium o r fine sand?
Quiz
Quiz Answer
C heck the fo llo w ing sieve analysis o f a sam ple o f fine aggregate fo r use in co ncrete and
determ ine if it m eets N C D O T requirem ents fo r 2S S and. T his sam ple w as taken at the
R /M P lant. C ircle the sieve no t passing, if any.
T o tal w eight o f the sam ple o ven d ry
(befo re w ashing)
=
504.1 gram s
O ven dry w t.(after w ashing N o .200 sieve)
=
501.6 gram s
2.5 / 504.1
S ieve S ize
G ram s R et.
3/8
#4
#8
#16
#30
#50
#100
P an
0
0
5.0
60.5
176.5
171.4
75.5
12.7
#200
x 100
=
Cum
G ram s
R etain ed
0
0
5.0
65.5
242.0
413.4
488.9
501.6
0.5 % P assing
Cum %
R etain ed
P ercen t
P assin g
NCDOT
S p ecs
0
0
1
13
48
82
97
100
100
99
87
52
18
3
100
9 5-1 0 0
8 0-1 0 0
4 5-9 5
2 5-7 5
8-3 0
.5 -1 0
0.5
0-3
W ashing
m etho d
D o es this 2S S and m eet N C D O T S pecificatio ns?
Y es
W hat is the F.M .
2.41
Is this a co arse, m edium o r fine sand?
F in e
Quiz ans.