Aggregate Sieve Analysis

Sieve analysis is passing aggregate through a series of standard-mesh sieves and weighing the material retained on each sieve. The result is given as a grading curve showing particle size distribution.

The purpose is to determine whether the aggregate conforms to the particle size distribution expected in a concrete or asphalt mix. Distribution directly affects workability, void ratio, and cement demand.

• Concrete aggregate (sand, gravel, crushed stone)
• Asphalt aggregate
• Road fill and subbase materials
• Railway ballast
• Mortar and plaster aggregates

• EN 933-1 (geometrical properties of aggregates — determination of particle size distribution, sieving method)
• EN 933-2 (test sieves, nominal size of apertures)
• EN 12620 (aggregates for concrete)
• EN 13043 (aggregates for bituminous mixtures)

Elek serisi

Standard mesh openings defined in EN 933-2

sample mass

From standard according to largest grain size

Method

Dry sieving or washing sieving if fine grains are present

Kurutma

The sample is dried to constant mass

• Standard test sieve set and sieve shaker
• Oven
• Precision balance
• Sample reduction (splitting) setup
• Washing setup

• The sample must be taken so as to represent the batch and in accordance with the sampling rules of the relevant standard.
• The sampling date, location and the person who took the sample must be recorded.
• Samples requiring curing or conditioning must be stored under the defined conditions.
• The number of samples must meet the minimum required by the standard.
• The sample must not be damaged during transport.

The analysis is generally completed within one to two working days, including drying time.

1. 1The sample is split down to the test quantity.
2. 2The sample is dried to constant mass and weighed.
3. 3Wet sieving is applied if fine particles are present, and it is re-dried.
4. 4The sample is placed in the sieve series and sieved.
5. 5The amount retained on each sieve is weighed.
6. 6Passing percentages are calculated and the grading curve is plotted.
7. 7Mass loss is checked to verify the validity of the analysis.

The acceptance class does not come from the test method but from the product standard and the project: concrete class, reinforcement class, aggregate category, or fire performance class is defined in the specification. The report gives the measured value; the conformity decision is made against the relevant product standard.

The result is compared against the particle size class limits in the product standard or the target curve in the mix design. Regions where the curve exceeds the limits require the mix to be reviewed.

• Sample description, sampling location and date
• Sampling method and witness sample information, if any
• Standard and test conditions applied
• Sample dimensions, curing conditions and age information
• Measured values and calculated results
• Failure mode or damage description (where applicable)
• A statement that the result applies only to the specimen submitted for testing

EUROLAB holds internationally recognised accreditation obtained from accreditation bodies party to the IAF and ILAC multilateral recognition arrangements, under ISO/IEC 17025 for laboratory testing, ISO/IEC 17020 for inspection and surveillance, and ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO/IEC 17065 for system and product certification. This chain ensures the reports and certificates issued are accepted worldwide.

Whether this test can be offered within accredited scope depends on your product and the standard applied; since accreditation is method-based, the scope is confirmed in writing at the quotation stage.

• EU 305/2011 Construction Products Regulation (CPR)
• Construction Products Regulation (Turkey)
• TS 500 / Requirements for Design and Construction of Reinforced Concrete Structures
• Turkish Building Earthquake Code

The section below describes the field that the Aggregate Sieve Analysis test belongs to; the conditions and acceptance criteria of this particular test are given in the sections above. The scope specific to your product is confirmed in writing at the quotation stage.

• Concrete Compressive Strength
• Concrete Tensile Strength
• Aggregate Los Angeles Abrasion
• Reinforcing Steel Tensile Test
• Brick Compressive Strength
• Ceramic Flexural Strength
• Glass Impact Test
• Wind Load
• Façade Watertightness
• Fire Resistance
• Reaction to Fire
• Cement