Aggregate T-27 October 2006

Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregate

AASHTO T-27-06
(Modified)
The sieve analysis is performed in order to determine the particle size distribution on an
aggregate material. The particle size distribution can be checked against specification
requirements to determine compliance, and can also be plotted graphically to determine the
nature of the grain size distribution, i.e. dense-graded vs. gap-graded. For acceptance tests,
AASHTO T-11, Materials Finer than 75 μm (#200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
will be required in conjunction with the gradation.

Modification: 1. The quantity retained on any fine aggregate sieve at the completion of the
sieving operation shall not exceed 6 kg per m² of sieving area. (8.3)
2. After achieving constant mass, cool sample to room temperature and weigh
to the nearest 0.1 g.
3. Always report the percent passing the 75-μm (#200) sieve to the nearest 0.1
percent. (10.2)

Key Elements:

1. Obtain sample. AASHTO T-2 (7.1). Field sample weight shall be as per Table 1 in T-2, or
four times the weight indicated in Section 7 of T-27, whichever is greater.

2. Reduce sample to testing size. AASHTO T-248. If the gradation or wash/gradation are the
only tests to be performed (7.2), the field sample may be reduced at the sampling site to
avoid transporting excessive quantities of material (Note 3). Test size for sieve analysis
shall be at least the amount shown in the table in Section 7.4. These weights are minimums,
not targets. Reduction to exact, predetermined weight is not permitted.

3. Dry sample to constant mass. Use oven at 110 ± 5°C (230 ± 9ºF). Constant mass is
defined as after initial drying the weight of the material decreases by less than 0.1% after a
minimum of 10 minutes additional drying. (8.1)
W1 – W2 x 100, W2 – W3 x 100, etc.
W2 W3

4. Cool, weigh and record. Cool to room temperature; weigh to nearest 0.1 g and record.

5. Select, inspect and nest sieves. Sieves shall be in good, clean condition, of appropriate
diameter and correct opening sizes as required by material specifications. The sieves must be
nested in proper order with the largest sieve on top (8.2). A pan must be provided to catch
material passing the smallest sieve, and a suitable lid must be provided if nesting circular
sieves are used. (8.2)

6. Place sample in sieves and shake. Shaking shall be accomplished mechanically for a 10-
minute period. A mechanical sieving (shaker) unit shall be used that is capable of accurately
and consistently grading all types of laboratory samples. The unit shall impart uniform

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Aggregate T-27 October 2006

revolving motion and simultaneous lateral taping to the sieve stack. Place sample in top
sieve. Do not lose any portion of the sample. The quantity of material in the sieves shall be
limited such that no sieve is over loaded (8.3). If the quantity of sample is such that one or
more sieves is overloaded, the situation may be corrected by:
1) Introducing an intermediate sieve immediately above the overloaded sieve. (8.3.1.1)
2) Testing the sample in a number of increments and combining the results. (8.3.1.2)
3) Or, selecting a different set of sieves with a sufficiently large surface area. (8.3.1.3)
A suitable lid shall be used when transporting the nested sieves to the shaker. Insure shaker
is functioning properly. (6.3)

7. Transfer sample from each sieve to weighing pan, weigh and record. When transporting
sample from shaker to work area, a suitable lid shall be used to prevent loss of material.
Weighing can be done for each increment, or cumulatively by adding each successive
increment to the weighing pan, record weights to nearest 0.1 g. However, if increments are
weighed individually and each increment is saved until after calculations are complete, the
increments can be reweighed to locate any error in weighing revealed by the calculation,
preventing the need to start over and rerun the test. Accuracy of sieving for individual
sieves shall be 0.5% or less of total sample mass (8.4). A check for thoroughness of sieving
is not required for every sample. The intent is that periodic checks be made and
documented. Accuracy of sieving shall be checked at least once per sieve, at least once per
year, and at least once per project for field laboratories.

8. Perform calculations. Calculate the results for the material retained on each sieve.
Calculate results to sufficient decimal places and record to 0.1% (9.1). Calculations shall be
based on total dry weight of sample before washing. The total weight of all increments
including material in pan shall be within 0.30% of the dry weight of material place on sieves
(8.6).
Percent Sieving Loss:
Sample Wt. After Washing – Total Weight of Material After Sieving x 100 = 0.00%
Sample Wt. After Washing

9. Report results. Report percentages passing to the nearest whole number except for the
percent passing the 75 μm (No. 200) sieve is reported to the nearest 0.1%. (10.2)
Total Accumulated Percent Retained:
Grams Retained x 100 = 0.0
Sample Wt. Before Washing

Percent Passing:
100 – Total Accumulated Percent Retained for Each Sieve = Whole Number

Remember that the 75-µm (#200) is reported to the nearest tenth.

10. Compare to specifications for compliance. Determine the proper specification for the
material being tested, and compare test results to the specification. Make a clear
determination as to whether the sample does or does not meet specifications.

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