Sieve analysis is an analytical technique used to determine particle size distribution of granular material with macroscopic granular sizes.
It involves the layering of sieves with different grades of sieve opening sizes, and is crucial for analyzing both coarse and fine aggregates.
Commercial sieve analyzers weigh every individual sieve from the stack to determine weight distribution of particles.
Particle size distribution may affect a wide range of physical and chemical properties, like the strength of concrete, solubility, surface area properties, and taste.
There are two methods for sieve analysis - one for coarse aggregate and one for fine aggregate.
Sieve analysis involves sieving the material through a stack of sieves with varying aperture sizes, starting from the coarsest to the finest.
The different results obtained after sieving help in choosing proper sieve or sieves as well as to determine compliance with design and production requirements.
The apparatus required for sieve analysis includes dry oven, sieves with different aperture sizes, weigh scale, a wire brush, metal trays, etc.
The reporting of the sieving analysis of the particle size distribution of the aggregate is done through the percentage of cumulative weight distribution.
Sieving analysis can be used to determine soil gradation, particle size distribution, and to classify coarse-grained soil.