⛰️ Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
Determination of particle size distribution (grading) of aggregate by sieving through a set of standardized mesh sieves. Fundamental aggregate quality test.
Overview
Sieve analysis is the most important and frequently performed aggregate test, allowing determination of particle size distribution (grading). It involves sieving a dried aggregate sample through a set of sieves with decreasing mesh sizes and determining the percentage contribution of individual fractions. Results are presented as a grading curve — graphical relationship between cumulative passing and sieve mesh size.
Aggregate grading has fundamental significance for properties of concrete, asphalt mixtures, road bases and bedding layers. Proper grading selection ensures optimal compactability, strength and durability of construction materials. Standard PN-EN 933-1 defines the standard sieve set (0.063; 0.125; 0.25; 0.5; 1; 2; 4; 8; 16; 31.5; 63 mm) and test procedure.
Sieve analysis is performed in every construction materials and road laboratory. It is mandatory in factory production control of aggregates (FPC) and during aggregate acceptance on construction sites. Based on results, aggregates are classified into appropriate categories of oversize and undersize (e.g., GC85/20, GF85) according to PN-EN 12620 (for concrete) and PN-EN 13043 (for asphalt mixtures).
Testing requires careful sample preparation — drying to constant mass at 110 ± 5°C. Sample mass depends on maximum particle size (e.g., 10 kg for 31.5 mm aggregate). Sieving can be manual or mechanical (shaker), and sieving time must be sufficient to ensure complete fraction separation.
Method principle
A dried aggregate sample of specified mass is sieved through a set of sieves arranged from largest to smallest mesh opening. Sieving is performed mechanically (shaker) or manually until the mass of material on each sieve does not change by more than 1% during one minute of sieving. After completion, the retention on each sieve is weighed and the cumulative passing is calculated — percentage of particle mass passing through a given sieve relative to total sample mass. Results are presented as a grading curve.
Applications
- Quality control of aggregates for concrete (PN-EN 12620)
- Testing of aggregates for asphalt mixtures (PN-EN 13043)
- Assessment of aggregates for road bases (PN-EN 13242)
- Factory production control of aggregates (FPC)
- Classification of construction soils
- Design of concrete mixtures (grading curve selection)
- Acceptance control of aggregates on construction sites
Key parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Sieve set | 0.063; 0.125; 0.25; 0.5; 1; 2; 4; 8; 16; 31.5; 63 mm |
| Sample mass | Dependent on D_max: 0.2 kg (4 mm) to 40 kg (63 mm) |
| Drying temperature | 110 ± 5°C to constant mass |
| Sieving time | Until <1% mass change/min on each sieve |
| Balance accuracy | ±0.1% of sample mass |
Standard
- Standard number
- PN-EN 933-1:2012
- Title (PL)
- Badania geometrycznych właściwości kruszyw — Część 1: Oznaczanie składu ziarnowego — Metoda przesiewania
- Title (EN)
- Tests for geometrical properties of aggregates — Part 1: Determination of particle size distribution — Sieving method
Step-by-step procedure
1. Sampling and preparation
Take representative sample per PN-EN 932-1. Reduce by quartering to required test mass.
2. Sample drying
Dry sample in oven at 110 ± 5°C to constant mass (mass change <0.1% after 1 h drying). Cool.
3. Sample weighing
Weigh dried sample to ±0.1% mass accuracy. Record mass as M₁.
4. Washing on 0.063 mm sieve
Place sample on 0.063 mm sieve. Wash with water until clear water obtained. Carefully transfer retention to container.
5. Drying after washing
Dry washed sample again at 110 ± 5°C to constant mass. Weigh as M₂.
6. Mechanical sieving
Arrange sieves from largest mesh (top) to smallest (bottom) with pan. Pour sample onto top sieve. Start shaker.
7. Sieving completeness check
Check that mass change on each sieve is <1% during 1 minute of manual sieving. If not — continue.
8. Fraction weighing
Weigh retention on each sieve to ±0.1% sample mass accuracy. Sum masses — loss cannot exceed 1% of M₁.
9. Calculations
Calculate for each sieve: retention [%], passing [%], cumulative passing [%]. Plot grading curve.
10. Documentation and classification
Prepare test report. Classify aggregate per oversize/undersize (GC, GF categories per PN-EN 12620).
Required equipment and apparatus
| Equipment | Example | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|
| Sieve set Ø315 or Ø400 mm | RETSCH, Endecotts, CONTROLS — stainless steel sieves per ISO 3310-1/2 | 300–800 PLN/pc |
| Sieve shaker | RETSCH AS 200, Controls 15-D0430, Endecotts Octagon 200 | 8 000–25 000 PLN |
| Laboratory oven 300 L | Binder FD 260, POL-EKO SLW 400, Memmert UF450 | 8 000–20 000 PLN |
| Laboratory balance 30 kg | Radwag WLC 30/A2, KERN FKB 36K0.1, accuracy 0.1 g | 2 000–5 000 PLN |
| Containers, sieve brushes | Steel or aluminum, soft nylon brushes | 50–200 PLN |
Reagents, media and consumables
| Reagent | CAS | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tap water | — | For washing fine aggregate on 0.063 mm sieve (wet sieving) |
| Dispersing agent (optional) | — | Sodium hexametaphosphate — for breaking up fine particle agglomerates, 1% solution |
| Control sieves (reference) | — | Certified reference sieves for periodic verification of working sieves |
Health and safety (OHS)
- Aggregate dust — use FFP2 dust mask when transferring
- Heavy samples (up to 40 kg) — spinal injury risk, use ergonomic lifting techniques
- Oven 110°C — burn hazard, use thermal gloves
- Safety glasses when transferring aggregate