Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates

C136/C136M - 14: Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates

Understanding the precise particle size distribution of aggregates is fundamental to the success of virtually any construction project. ASTM C136/C136M - 14 provides the industry-leading, authoritative framework for this critical material characterization, ensuring that engineers and quality control professionals can consistently and accurately assess aggregate quality.

What is C136/C136M - 14?

ASTM C136/C136M - 14, the "Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates," is a comprehensive ASTM International standard that defines the procedures for determining the particle size distribution of both fine and coarse aggregates through the process of sieving. Developed and maintained by ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates, its primary purpose is to provide a standardized, repeatable method for classifying aggregates based on their gradation.

Scope & Purpose

This essential standard governs the activity of sieving dry aggregate samples to ascertain the proportion of particles retained on a specific series of sieves. It is applicable to both fine aggregates (like sand) and coarse aggregates (like gravel and crushed stone), and includes instructions for analyzing composite samples containing both fractions. While it specifies the dry sieving process, it explicitly states that it does not determine the amount of material finer than the 75-µm (No. 200) sieve, for which ASTM C117 should be employed.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Materials engineers, civil engineers, laboratory technicians, quality control inspectors, and geotechnical engineers.
• • Industries affected: Construction, Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Road Construction, Concrete Manufacturing, and any sector utilizing aggregates in their processes.
• • Compliance nature: While often referenced in project specifications and thus effectively mandatory for compliance, the standard itself is voluntary unless mandated by contract or regulatory bodies.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically checked by quality control personnel, project engineers, and regulatory agencies through laboratory testing and project audits.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires professionals to:

• • Ensure samples are properly dried to a constant mass at a specified temperature before testing.
• • Utilize calibrated sieves that conform to ASTM E11 specifications for accurate particle separation.
• • Employ appropriate sieving techniques, either manual or mechanical, to ensure all particles pass through or are retained on the correct sieve.
• • Accurately weigh and record the mass of aggregate retained on each sieve to calculate the cumulative percentage passing.
• • When determining material finer than the No. 200 sieve, integrate procedures from ASTM C117 as specified.

Related Standards & References

ASTM C136/C136M - 14 works in conjunction with several other key standards:

• • ASTM D75: Practice for Sampling Aggregates, which dictates how representative samples are obtained in the field.
• • ASTM C117: Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-µm (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing, for determining wash-loss.
• • **ASTM E11