ASTM C136

This test method is used primarily to determine the grading of materials proposed for use as aggregates or being used as aggregates. The results are used to determine compliance of the particle size distribution with applicable specification requirements and to provide necessary data for control of the production of various aggregate products and mixtures containing aggregates. The data may also be useful in developing relationships concerning porosity and packing.

Accurate determination of material finer than the 75-μm (No. 200) sieve cannot be achieved by use of this test method alone. Test Method C 117 for material finer than 75-μm sieve by washing should be employed.

Refer to methods of sampling and testing in Specification C 637 for heavyweight aggregates.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the particle size distribution of fine and coarse aggregates by sieving.

1.2 Some specifications for aggregates which reference this test method contain grading requirements including both coarse and fine fractions. Instructions are included for sieve analysis of such aggregates.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are provided for information purposes only. Specification E 11 designates the size of sieve frames with inch units as standard, but in this test method the frame size is designated in SI units exactly equivalent to the inch units.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents

C117 Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-m (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
C637 Specification for Aggregates for Radiation-Shielding Concrete
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
C702 Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size
D75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates
E11 Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing Purposes
AASHTO No. T27 Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates

Index Terms

aggregate; coarse aggregate; fine aggregate; gradation; grading; sieve analysis; size analysis; ICS Number Code 91.100.30

Citing ASTM Standards

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