Methodology and Calculations Based on Data

(A) Sieve Analysis

In sieve analysis, grading charts are drawn to show the results of a sieve analysis graphically. The
percentage passing is usually plotted on the vertical axis(y-axis), while the sieve sizes are plotted on the
horizontal axis(x-axis). Upper and lower limits specified for the allowable percentage of material passing
each sieve may also be included on the grading chart.

From the table, the total of weight retained may differ from the original sample weight. Since the weight
of material on each sieve is determined ranging from 0.1 percent of the total sample weight, the maximum
difference should not exceed 0.1 percent times the number of weight determinations. In this example,
sixweight determinations were made, so the difference should not exceed 0.6 percent. If the difference was
too great, a check would have been made for possible errors in weight determination, calculation,
accidental spillage loss, or material stuck in the sieve openings.

Individual percent trapped is the percentage of material contained between successive sieves, recorded to
the nearest whole percent. It is calculated by dividing the weight retained on each sieve by the sum of the
weight retained on each sieve and the pan and multiplying by 100. Total percent trapped is calculated by
successively summing the numbers in the individual percent trapped column.

i. To obtain sample trapped

: (Sieve + Sample trapped) - Empty sieve

Lets take an example of 5.0mm sieve size : 526.9 g - 525.2 g = 1.7 g

ii. To obtain percentage trapped

: Sample trapped / original weight x 100percent

= 1.7 / 500 x 100 %
= 0.34 %

Later, cumulative trapped is calculated.

Last but not least, the fineness modulus is the sum of the total percentages retained on each of a
specified series of sieves, divided by 100, ranging from 2.3 to 3.0.

iii. Fineness modulus

: Total of cumulative trapped / 100

= (0.34 + 0.50 + 0.94 + 3.04 + 37.94 + 85.50 + 99.2) / 100
= 2.275 2.3

(B) Specific gravity and absorption

The specific gravity of an aggregate is the weight of the aggregate in air divided by the weight of an equal
volume of water.

Each aggregate particle is made up of solid matter and voids that may or may not contain water. Since the
aggregate weight will vary with its moisture content, specific gravity is determined at a fixed moisture
content. Four moisture conditions are defined for aggregates depending upon the amount of water held in
the pores or on the surface of the particles. These conditions likedamp or wet, saturated surface-dry, airdry,oven-dry. However in the experiment we use two, which are saturated surface dry and oven dry.

Decant excess water with care to avoid loss of fines, spread the sample on a flat nonabsorbant surface
exposed to a gently moving current of warm air , and stir frequently to secure homogeneous drying. If
desired, mechanical aids such as tumbling or stirring may be employed to assist in achieving the saturated
surface-dry condition.

During experiment according to ASTM, if the sand sample do not readily slump, fill the cone mold and
using only 10 drops of water with the aid of compacting rod. Add more fine aggregate and use 10 drops of
water again. Then, add a little more sand sample, respectively. Level off the sand sample even with the top
of the mold, remove loose sand from the base and lift the mold vertically.If airborne fines are noted when
the fine aggregate is such that it will not slump when it is at a moisture condition, add more moisture to the

sand, and at the onset of the surface-dry condition, lightly pat approximately 100 g of the material on a flat,
dry , clean, dark or dull nonabsorbent surface such as a sheet of rubber, a worn oxidized, galvanized, or
steel surface, or a black-painted metal surface with hand. After 1 to 3 seconds, remove the fine aggregate. If
noticeable moisture shows on the test surface for more than 1 to 2 seconds, then surface moisture is
considered to be present on the fine aggregate.

i. Bulk specific gravity oven dried GOD =

A
B-C+D

351.9
374.0 - 501.0 + 1023.0

= 0.3927 g

ii. Bulk specific gravity GSSD =

B
B-C+D

374.0
374.0 - 501.0 +1023.0

= 0.4174 g

iii. Apparent density GSA =

A
A-C+D

351.9
351.9 - 501.0 + 1023.0

= 0.4027 g

iv. Percentage of absorption =

(B - A)

X 100 %

A
= 374.0 - 351.9

X 100 %
351.9

6.28 %

(C) Silt Content

Salt water is usedto separate the water with sand sample to measure the silt layer on top of the sand.
Without salt water, separation between sand and water is impossible. In short, its used for quick settlement
of silt which reduces testing time. Hence salt water is more preferable.
i. To calculate silt content :

V1

x 100 %

V2
= 5
95
= 5.26 %

x 100 %