What is the minimum sample size for sieve analysis and how do you calculate particle size in sieve analysis?
The minimum sample size for sieve analysis depends on the nominal maximum size of the aggregate. The following table shows the minimum sample sizes for different nominal maximum sizes:
The minimum sample size for sieve analysis depends on the nominal maximum size of the aggregate. The following table shows the minimum sample sizes for different nominal maximum sizes:
Nominal Maximum SizeMinimum Sample Size2 inches20 kg1 1/2 inches15 kg1 inch10 kg3/4 inch5 kg1/2 inch2 kgNo. 4500 g8250 g16125 g3060 g5030 g10015 g2007.5 g
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To calculate particle size in sieve analysis, the following steps are followed:
The particle size of the aggregate is typically determined by two methods:
- D10: The size at which 10% of the aggregate passes.
- D60: The size at which 60% of the aggregate passes.
For example, if D10 is 0.5 mm and D60 is 2.5 mm, then the aggregate is said to be well-graded. This means that there is a good distribution of particle sizes, which is important for good compaction and strength.
Yes, it is possible for sand sizes to stick in sieve openings and not be recoverable. For these reasons, the minimum test specimen mass for soil having a maximum particle size of the No. 4 sieve should be 50 grams (or 0.1 Ibm) and for a maximum particle size of 3/ainch should be 250 grams (or 0.5 Ibm). The sieves normally used are the standard 8 inch (200 mm) sieves. With Fine Aggregate the coarse sieve or the 3/8” (9.5 mm) sieve at the top; each sieve below is finer; and the finest sieve, a No. 200 (75 µm) is at the bottom. A pan is placed below to retain any fine material that may pass this sieve. ASTM-C136- designates minimum of 500 grams (4.76 mm.) dry weight for fine aggregates i.e., material with at least 85 percent finer than a No. 4 Sieve and more than 5 percent coarser than a No. 8 Sieve. For coarse material, sizes that range down to #100 mesh (150μm), a sieve analysis and particle size distribution is accurate and consistent. However, for material that is finer than 100 meshes, dry sieving can be significantly less accurate. Sieve analysis is the traditional method for determining particle size distribution. Solid particles ranging in size from 125 mm down to 20 μm can be measured quickly and efficiently by dry or wet sieving using standard test sieves. Step 1: Take a representative oven-dried sample that weighs approximately 500g. Step 2: If particles are lumped or conglomerated, crush the lumps but not the particles using the pestle and mortar. Step 3: Determine the mass of sample accurately Weight (g). Step 4: Prepare a stack of test sieves. The largest sieve that retains some of the aggregate particles but generally not more than 10 percent by weight. Super pave defines nominal maximum aggregate size as “one sieve size larger than the first sieve to retain more than 10 percent of the material”. There are two predominant types of test sieves used to conduct test sieve analysis. Depending on your sample material, you will either use dry test sieves or wet wash test sieves. Dry test sieves are used when the particles are free-flowing and can pass through openings with just a shaking or tapping motion. The average particle size of material retained on a sieve is calculated as the geometric mean of the diameter openings in two adjacent sieves in the stack. Count the number the holes in this area. The number of holes in one linear inch is known as the mesh. For example: if 60 holes are found in an inch then the sieve will be of 60 meshes. These holes can be counted using the marker pen. Let MP equal the mass fraction of particles of size dn and specific gravity ρS and let Nn equal the corresponding number of particles in each fraction. n is the number of size intervals, equal to 6, then M P = k N n d n 3 ρ S for n = 1 - 6 where k is a constant equivalent to the shape factor.
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