Civil Engineering Materials (CENG 201) Sec.
02
College of Engineering
University of Bahrain
Methods of Testing Aggregate
Done by:
Abdullah Sameer 20191279
Yousif Mohamed 202407354
Submitted to: Prof. Mustafa Aytekin
Abstract
The purpose of this report is civil engineering experiments. These experiments were
conducted in the university of Bahrain, covering two important topics. These topics are the The
report not only introduces the topic, but also shows the necessary apparatus, steps, and methods
required for the successful conduction of the stated experiments. Furthermore, the report also
demonstrates the actual findings of the experiment, further solidifying the knowledge. With its
well-structured format, the report induces clear understanding and easy navigation of its
contents.
Contents
Abstract ......................................................................................................................................................... 2
1. Relative density experiment .................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
1.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 4
1.2 Discussion………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………5
3. Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................. 7
1. Introduction
1.1 Introduction
2. Aggregates play a vital role in civil engineering as they make up the majority of
materials used in concrete, mortar, and asphalt. The quality and performance of these
materials—such as their strength, durability, and ease of placement—depend largely
on the properties of the aggregates, especially their texture and particle size
distribution. To evaluate these characteristics and confirm that the aggregates meet
required construction standards, engineers often perform a sieve analysis test.
3. Sieve analysis is a fundamental test used to determine how aggregate particles are
distributed by size. The procedure involves passing a sample through a stack of
standard sieves arranged in decreasing order of size. This process separates the
aggregates into different size fractions, allowing for the identification of whether the
sample is well-graded, uniformly graded, or poorly graded. Well-graded aggregates
contain a good balance of particle sizes, improving compactness, reducing voids, and
enhancing the strength and durability of concrete. On the other hand, poorly graded
materials may lead to weak or less durable structures.
4. In this experiment, an aggregate sample will be analyzed using a mechanical sieve
shaker fitted with a series of sieves. The sample will be shaken for a fixed period to
allow smaller particles to pass through. The material retained on each sieve will then
be weighed to determine the percentage retained and the percentage passing for each
sieve size. Using these results, a grain size distribution curve will be plotted, and the
fineness modulus (F.M.) will be calculated to classify the aggregate and determine
its suitability as fine or coarse material in construction.
5. Overall, this experiment provides insight into the grading characteristics of
aggregates and demonstrates their influence on the properties of concrete and other
construction materials. The results from sieve analysis are essential for mix design,
quality control, and ensuring the reliability and strength of engineering structures.
B.S. Sieve W(g) Retain % Pass % C. Retain%
20 mm 93 7.15 92.85 7.15
14 mm 226 17.38 75.46 24.54
10 mm 344 26.46 49 51
5.0 mm 434 33.38 15.62 84.38
2.36 mm 94 7.23 8.38 91.62
1.18 mm 45 3.46 4.92 95.08
600 mic. 21 1.62 3.31 96.69
300 mic. 15 1.15 2.15 97.85
150 mic. 13 1 1.15 98.85
75 mic. 11 0.85 0.31 99.69
Receiver 4 0.31 0 100
TOTAL 1300 100
:
Discussion
In this experiment, a sieve analysis was conducted to determine the particle size distribution
and fineness modulus (F.M.) of the fine aggregate sample. The sieves were arranged from 20
mm down to 75 µm, and a total of 1300 g of aggregate was used. The sieves were shaken in a
mechanical sieve shaker for about 20 minutes to ensure smaller particles passed through the
correct openings, allowing accurate separation.
After shaking, the aggregates retained on each sieve were weighed, and the percentage
retained
The cumulative retained percentage was found by adding the percentages from the largest
sieve to the smallest, and the percentage passing each sieve was obtained by subtracting the
cumulative retained percentage from 100%.
The results show the highest percentage retained (33.38%) on the 5.0 mm sieve, meaning a
large portion of the sample consists of particles around that size. The cumulative retained
percentage increased gradually from 7.15% at 20 mm to 99.69% at 75 µm, indicating a smooth
gradation of particle sizes and a well-distributed sample.
Two graphs were plotted: % Passing vs. Sieve Size and % Cumulative Retained vs. Sieve Size. The
% Passing graph rises sharply as sieve size decreases, which is typical for fine aggregates, while
the cumulative retained curve rises steadily toward 100%, confirming the consistency of the
analysis.
The fineness modulus (F.M.) was calculated by summing the cumulative percentages retained
on the standard sieves and dividing by 100. The F.M. value of 0.99 indicates a fine aggregate
with mostly small particles, suitable for plastering, finishing, and other applications requiring a
smooth texture and good workability.
6. Conclusion
Through the sieve analysis, the particle size distribution of the aggregate sample was
effectively determined. The findings revealed that most of the material was retained on
the 5.0 mm sieve, indicating that the sample primarily consists of medium-sized
particles. The cumulative percentage retained increased steadily from 7.15% at the 20
mm sieve to 99.69% at the 75 μm sieve, suggesting that the aggregate is well-graded.
The computed fineness modulus (F.M.) was 0.99, which falls below 2.0. According to
standard classifications, this value identifies the material as a fine aggregate. Such
aggregates are typically suitable for applications like plastering and surface finishing,
where finer materials are required.
In summary, the experiment highlighted the significance of sieve analysis as a key
quality control measure in construction. Understanding aggregate gradation ensures the
selection of suitable materials that contribute to the strength, durability, and overall
performance of concrete and other construction mixtures.
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