CE.
109 – Construction Materials and Testing
Group Name: C.R.A.N.E.S.
Location: CELAB(CMT) Weather Condition: Sunny
Temperature: 34°C Date Started: 02/05/2025
LABWORK NO.
“Particle Size Distribution” Date Submitted: 03/05/2025
“1”:
GRADING COMPUTATION
CRITERIA EXEMPLARY ACCOMPLISHED DEVELOPING BEGINNING
CONTENT
50 37.5 25 12.5
QUALITY
ORGANIZATION /
20 15 10 5
PRESENTATION
ANALYSIS AND
20 15 10 50
INTERPRETATION
TIMELINESS 10 7.5 5 2.5
TOTAL:
INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE
EXECUTION OF ACCURACY OF TEAMWORK AND
MEMBERS TIME MANAGEMENT TOTAL
PROCEDURES RESULTS COLLABORATION
Dumon, Darryl
40 30 20 10 30 22.5 15 7.5 20 15 10 5 10 7.5 5 2.5
Mae C.
Caceres,
40 30 20 10 30 22.5 15 7.5 20 15 10 5 10 7.5 5 2.5
Heigelberg E.
Maldisa,
40 30 20 10 30 22.5 15 7.5 20 15 10 5 10 7.5 5 2.5
Abdul Jabbar
Musa Yasher
40 30 20 10 30 22.5 15 7.5 20 15 10 5 10 7.5 5 2.5
A.
Palacio,
40 30 20 10 30 22.5 15 7.5 20 15 10 5 10 7.5 5 2.5
Fernand S.
Perla, Jurelle
40 30 20 10 30 22.5 15 7.5 20 15 10 5 10 7.5 5 2.5
C.
Ahaja,
Mohammad 40 30 20 10 30 22.5 15 7.5 20 15 10 5 10 7.5 5 2.5
Hajan
Hachuela,
40 30 20 10 30 22.5 15 7.5 20 15 10 5 10 7.5 5 2.5
Maica Ella T.
INTRODUCTION
AdZU-CSITE-BSCE | SY 2024-2025
CE.109 – Construction Materials and Testing
Sieve analysis is a widely used test in construction to determine the particle size distribution of
aggregates, such as sand, gravel, and crushed stone. These materials are essential in making concrete,
asphalt, and other structural components. The test is conducted by passing the aggregate sample through a
series of sieves arranged from largest to smallest openings. As the material moves through the sieves,
particles are separated based on size, allowing engineers to measure how much of the sample falls within
specific size ranges. This experiment is crucial because the size and distribution of particles directly affect the
strength, durability, and workability of construction materials. Well-graded aggregates improve the bonding
between cement and other components, leading to stronger and more stable structures. In contrast, poorly
graded materials may result in weak, porous, or less workable mixtures. By analysing the results, engineers
can determine whether the aggregates meet industry standards and project requirements.
Ultimately, sieve analysis plays a key role in quality control, ensuring that construction materials
perform as expected. By selecting properly graded aggregates, engineers can enhance the overall strength,
stability, and lifespan of buildings and infrastructure.
OBJECTIVES
By the end of the laboratory exercise, students are expected to develop a comprehensive
understanding of the principles and methodology of Sieve Analysis, including its importance in various
engineering and industrial applications. Through hands-on experience, they will learn proper sample
preparation techniques and sieving procedures to ensure accurate results. Additionally, students will enhance
their skills in data analysis and interpretation, enabling them to assess particle size distribution and its
implications for material properties and quality control. This exercise also aims to strengthen their problem-
solving abilities by allowing them to troubleshoot experimental challenges, refine their analytical techniques,
and apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. Ultimately, the laboratory will help students appreciate
the critical role of Sieve Analysis in ensuring the efficiency and reliability of construction materials and other
particulate systems.
DATA
AdZU-CSITE-BSCE | SY 2024-2025
CE.109 – Construction Materials and Testing
Table 1 – Data Tabulation of Sieve Analysis
PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION
MASSES (g)
NOMINAL CONTAINER % MASS
ITEM SIEVE # DIAMETE SIEVE + AGGREGATE RETAINE %PASSING
R AGGREGATE D
1 #10 2 160 765 605 30.25 69.75
2 #20 0.85 153 612 459 22.95 46.80
3 #30 0.6 152 421 269 13.45 33.35
4 #40 0.425 153 412 259 12.95 20.40
5 #50 0.3 149 345 196 9.80 10.60
6 #60 0.25 148 222 74 3.70 6.90
7 #100 0.15 146 190 44 2.20 4.70
8 #200 0.075 140 213 73 3.65 1.05
9 PAN 240 261 21 1.05 0.00
TOTAL 1441 3441 2000 100
Table 2 – Data Tabulation for Aggregate Percent Passing using Trendline Logarithmic Scale Equation
Percent Passing Particle Size
(PP) (D)
10% D10 0.291891892
30% D30 0.55472973
60% D60 1.511437908
PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION
80.00
PERCENT PASSING
70.00
60.00
50.00
40.00
30.00
20.00
10.00
0.00
0.01 0.1 1 10
NOMINAL DIAMETER
COMPUTATION
AdZU-CSITE-BSCE | SY 2024-2025
CE.109 – Construction Materials and Testing
Solving for the of the aggregates (MR):
General Formula:
MR n=M n−mn
Where:
n=sieve number
MR n=mass retained ¿ the sample∈a particular sieve
M n=mass of the sieve∧theretained aggregate after sieving
mn=mass of theempty sieve
Sieve’s Number Mechanical Process
#10 765g – 160g = 605g
#20 612g – 153g = 459g
#30 421g – 151g = 269g
#40 412g – 153g = 259g
#50 345g – 148g = 196g
#60 222g – 148g = 74g
#100 190g – 147g = 44g
#200 213g – 140g = 73g
PAN 261g – 243g = 21g
Solving for cumulative mass of the aggregates (CMR):
General Formula:
CMR=∑ MR
Where:
CMR=Total mass retained
∑ MR=Summation of all Mass Retained
Mechanical Process
605g + 459g + 269g + 259g + 196g + 74g + 44g + 73g + 21g = 2000g
Solving for Mass Retained (PR):
General Formula:
MR n
PRn= ×100 %
mt
Where:
PRn= percent retained per sieve
MR n=mass retained ¿ the sample∈a particular sieve
mt =total mass of the sample
(m t =2000 g )
AdZU-CSITE-BSCE | SY 2024-2025
CE.109 – Construction Materials and Testing
Sieve’s Number Mechanical Process
#10 (605g / 2000g) * 100% = 30.25
#20 (459g / 2000g) * 100% = 22.95
#30 (269g / 2000g) * 100% = 13.45
#40 (259g / 2000g) * 100% = 12.95
#50 (196g / 2000g) * 100% = 9.80
#60 (74g / 2000g) * 100% = 3.70
#100 (44g / 2000g) * 100% = 2.20
#200 (73g / 2000g) * 100% = 3.65
PAN (21g / 2000g) * 100% = 1.05
Total 100.00
Solving for Percent Passing (PP):
Formula for the first sieve:
PP1=100 %−PR1
Where:
PP1= percent passing for the first sieve
PR1= percent retained for the first sieve
Formula for the succeeding sieves:
PPn=PPn−1−PRn
Where:
PPn= percent passing at the indicated sieve
PPn−1= percent passing of the previous sieve
PRn= percent retained at the indicated sieve
Sieve’s Number Mechanical Process
#10 100% - 30.25 = 69.75
#20 69.75 – 22.95 = 46.80
#30 46.80 – 13.45 = 33.35
#40 33.35 – 12.95 = 20.40
#50 20.40 – 9.80 = 10.60
#60 10.60 – 3.70 = 6.90
#100 6.90 – 2.20 = 4.70
#200 4.70 – 3.65 = 1.05
PAN 1.05 – 1.05 = 0
Solving for D10, D30, and D60:
We utilized calculator techniques in calculating for D10, D30, and D60. We set nominal diameter as the x, and
percent passing as the y. And these are the following values
D10 = 0.291 mm
D30 = 0.549 mm
D60 = 1.390 mm
Solving for Uniformity Coefficient (Cu):
AdZU-CSITE-BSCE | SY 2024-2025
CE.109 – Construction Materials and Testing
D60
C u=
D10
1.390 mm
C u=
0.291 mm
C u=4.777
Solving for Coefficient of Curvature (Cc):
2
( D¿ ¿30)
C c= ¿
(D ¿ ¿ 60 × D10 )¿
C c =0.549 mm ¿2 ¿ ¿
1.390 mm × 0.291mm ¿
C c =0.475
DATA ANALYSIS
The sieve analysis result shows that most of the sample is composed of larger particles since a lot of
material remained in the #10 and #20 sieves. The calculated Cu is 5.178 and Cc is 0.697, since the Cu is
greater than 4, meaning that the sample aggregates are well graded. As for the Cc, which is lower than the
ideal range of between 1 and 3, meaning that the aggregates may not have a well-proportioned mix of
different particle sizes.
The percent passing values show that most of the material stayed in the #10 and #20 sieves, meaning
that there are mostly large particles in the sample. Since the finer sieves only retained small amounts, it
means that the distribution isn’t really balanced. Regardless, both methods gave almost the same results.
Since the percent error is 0% for both methods of sieving, the experiment was done correctly.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the sieve analysis conducted on the sample yielded significant particle size distribution
parameters. The particle size analysis revealed that D₁₀, D₃₀, and D₆₀ values were measured at 0.2919 mm,
0.5547 mm, and 1.5114 mm, respectively. Moreover, the calculated values of Cu and Cc were found to be
5.178 and 0.697, respectively. Cu indicates a well-graded material with a wide range of particle sizes, while
AdZU-CSITE-BSCE | SY 2024-2025
CE.109 – Construction Materials and Testing
Cc suggests a moderately curved particle size distribution curve. These parameters collectively provide
valuable information for understanding the gradation characteristics of the sample, essential for various
engineering applications such as construction material selection, pavement design, and soil stabilization.
The sieve analysis experiment was done to check the particle size distribution of the given aggregate sample
using both mechanical and manual methods. The total starting weight of the aggregate was 2000 grams, and
after sieving, the total collected weight remained almost the same. This shows that very little material was lost,
meaning the experiment was done carefully and correctly. The results clearly show how the particles were
separated based on size. Larger particles stayed on the upper sieves (#10, #20, #30), while smaller ones
passed through to the lower sieves (#100, #200) and the pan. This confirms that the sample had a good mix
of different-sized particles.
Both mechanical and manual methods gave almost similar results, but the mechanical method may
have been more efficient in shaking the sieves consistently. This experiment helped us understand how
particle size distribution affects material quality, which is important in construction and engineering. Any small
differences in weight could be due to handling errors or slight variations in sieve openings. Overall, the
experiment was successful in classifying the particles and the results can be used to determine if the
aggregate meets the standards for construction use.
RECOMMENDATION
In this experiment, several precautions must be taken into consideration in order to avoid and prevent
errors from occurring. The screen on the sieves should be carefully cleaned in order to remove all grain
sands. The stacks of sieves on the sieve shaker must be locked tidily to avoid them from moving away during
the sharking process. Ensure that all the leftover sand in each sieve is transferred to the container used in the
weighing process. The area around digital scale balance must be cleaned first to get accurate reading and
avoid the environment effects. The people who actually run the lab procedure can use a soft bristle brush to
gently wipe the screen.
AdZU-CSITE-BSCE | SY 2024-2025
CE.109 – Construction Materials and Testing
DOCUMENTATION
Figure 1.1
As shown in Figure 1.1, the basin was first weighted without aggregates, then weighted with aggregates.
Finally, a small amount of additional aggregate was added to reach the required weight for the activity.
Figure 1.2
As shown in Figure 1.2, the sieves were weighed before the aggregate passed through them.
AdZU-CSITE-BSCE | SY 2024-2025
CE.109 – Construction Materials and Testing
Figure 1.3
As shown in Figure 1.3, after the aggregates passed through the sieves, the team decided to do it first
manually.
Figure 1.4
As shown in Figure 1.4, the aggregates were being transferred to the basin and the sieves were being
brushed off to remove tiny aggregates that was left in the sieves before weighing the sieves again.
AdZU-CSITE-BSCE | SY 2024-2025
CE.109 – Construction Materials and Testing
Figure 1.5
As shown in Figure 1.5, after the manual work, the sieves were put into the automatic sieving machine for
mechanical work.
Figure 1.6
AdZU-CSITE-BSCE | SY 2024-2025
CE.109 – Construction Materials and Testing
As shown in Figure, the sieves in the automatic sieving machine were set for 5 minutes to improve the results.
Figure 1.7
As shown in Figure 1.7, the recorder recorded the basin's weight with and without aggregates, and the sieves'
weights with and without aggregates, to ensure the team obtained accurate data.
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