Fineness Modulus of Fine Aggregate | Fineness Modulus of Coarse Aggregate | Sieve Analysis of Fine Aggregate | Sand Zone Classification
Table of Contents
Fineness Modulus of Fine Aggregate:
The sand fineness module (fine aggregate) is an index number describing the mean size of sand particles. By doing sieve analysis with normal sieves, it is measured.
The accumulated percentage kept on each sieve is applied and the sum of the fine aggregate is subdivided by 100. To find the fine aggregate fineness modulus, we require 4.75mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 0.6mm, 0.3mm, and 0.15mm sieve sizes.
The fineness modulus of the finer aggregate is greater than the coarse aggregate fineness module.
Fineness Modulus of Coarse Aggregate
The fineness modulus of coarse aggregates is the index number of the total particle size of the coarse aggregate. By doing sieve analysis with normal sieves, it is measured.
The accumulated percentage retained on each sieve is applied and the coarse aggregate valuation is given by subdividing it by 100.
The fineness module is larger than the fine aggregate, thus the fineness module of the coarse aggregate is greater than the fine aggregate.
We require sieve sizes of 75mm, 37.5mm, 19mm, 9.5mm, 4.75mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 0.6mm, 0.3mm and 0.15mm and determine the coarse aggregate fineness modulus.
The Fineness module is the number that is identified when we calculate the particle size from the lower order standard sieves to the higher-order sieve. So, we require all sizes of sieves in the coarse aggregate measurement.
Also Read: What Is Linear Measurement Surveying | Types of Linear Measurement Surveying
Sieve Analysis
Analysis of the sieve helps to determine the distribution of the particle size of the coarse and fine aggregates. This is achieved by sieving the aggregates according to IS: 2386 (Part I)-1963.
As standardized by the IS code, we use various sieves in this and then pass aggregates through them and thus collect various-sized particles leftover various sieves.
The equipment used are-
- 80mm, 63mm, 50mm, 40mm, 31.5mm, 25mm, 20mm, 16mm, 12.5mm, 10mm, 6.3mm, 4.75mm, 3.35mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600μm, 300μm, 150μm and 75μm.
- Balance or scale with precision to measure 0.1% of the test sample’s weight.
The available sample weight should not be less than the weight given below:
Procedure to Determine the Distribution of Aggregates by Particle Size.
- The test sample is dried and measured at a steady weight at a temperature of 110 + 50
- A set of IS sieves is used to sieve the sample.
- The substance on each sieve is weighed upon completion of the sieve.
- As a proportion of the overall sample weight, the average weight moving through each sieve is measured.
- The fineness module is obtained by applying to each sieve the total percentage of aggregates maintained and by dividing the sum by 100.
Sieve Analysis of Fine Aggregate:
One of the most relevant experiments conducted on-site is the Sieve analysis of Sand. Aggregates are neutral materials which are combined for mortar or concrete manufacture with binding materials such as cement or lime. It’s also found in mortar and asphalt as fillers.
The size of the aggregate ranges from several inches to the size of the smallest sand particle. In general, the aggregates occupy 60 to 75 percent of the concrete volume or 70 to 85 percent by weight and greatly affect the freshly mixed and hardened properties, mixture proportions, and economy of the concrete.
All IS 4.75 mm sieve pass aggregates and known as fine aggregates. In order to determine conformity with the design, quality control criteria, and verification parameters, all aggregate technicians use a sieve analysis (gradation test) to determine the gradation (particle size distribution, by size, within a given sample).
The sieve analysis is really useful for the monitoring and quality acceptance technique used in combination with other studies.
Gradation implies the distribution of the scale of the particles within the overall size range. On a graph, gradation can be classified as well-graded, uniform, or gap graded (sometimes referred to as skip graded), listed below:
- Well graded means the sizes are in nearly equal proportions across the whole range, although the largest and smallest particles would be very different.
- Uniform gradation means that the particles have a significant proportion of the same dimension. Gap graded or skip graded means that with a few particles of an intermediate scale, most particles are high in size or tiny in size.
- Targets: The whole sieve analysis technique is to determine the distribution of the particle size of the fine aggregates and to determine if it is appropriate for use in concrete mixing.
Equipment for Testing
- Sieves for IS 75 mm, 36 mm, 18 mm, 600 mic, 300 mic, 150 mic, 75 mic
- Shovel and Skillet.
- Balance or scale with an accuracy representing 0.1 percent of the sample’s weight.
- Mechanical sieve shaker.
- Fine aggregates of 1000 grams.
Sieve Analysis Test Procedure-
Step 1. Dry the sample at a temperature of 110+ 50 C at a constant weight.
Step 2. Next the sieve and put the sample on the top sieve in order to reduce the scale of the opening from top to bottom.
Step 3. Shake the sieves for a suitable time, say 15 times or 28 minutes, by hand or by mechanical apparatus. A correct series (forward and backward motion, left and right motion, clockwise (CW) and counter-clockwise (CCW) motion and regular jolting) should be done by the manual process.
Step 4. Restricted the volume of material on a given sieve such that all objects have the ability to enter the opening of the sieve several times during the sieving process. For sieves with openings greater than 4.75 mm, the weight maintained on each sieve shall not exceed 6 kg/m2 (4 g/in2) of the sieving surface at the end of the sieving operation.
Step 5. In the case of sieves with apertures of 4.75 mm and wider, the weight in kg/m of the sieving surface must not exceed 2.5 of the product (sieve opening in mm). In no case shall the weight be so high as to cause the sieve cloth to be permanently deformed.
Step 6. Continue sieving for a reasonable amount of time and in such a way that no more than 1 percent of the residue on any particular sieve can move through the sieve after 1 minute of continuous hand sieving after completion.
Step 7. Place the fine aggregate sample in the top sieve, place the cap on top of the sieve stack, and agitate for 10 to 15 minutes by using the mechanical sieve shaker.
Step 8. Carefully extract the sieves one at a time and, with its retained aggregate, measure each sieve. Calculate the material mass stored on each sieve, deducting the resulting sieve’s weight. Determine the weight of each rise in size by measuring the nearest 0.1 percent of the overall initial dry sample weight on a scale or balance.
Step 9. The overall substance weight after sieving should be carefully checked with the original sample weight put on the sieves. If depending on the initial dry sample weight, the sum varies by more than 0.3 percent, the data can not be considered for approval purposes.
Calculation of Sieve Analysis Test
- Calculate passing ratios, cumulative percentage held, or percentages to the nearest 0.1 percent in separate scale fractions on the basis of the total weight of the original dry sample.
- Calculate the fineness modulus (FM) by applying to the sample the average amount of content that is coarser than any of the normal flowing sieves (Cumulative percentage retained) and by dividing the number by 100:150-m (No. 100), 300-m (No. 50), 600-m (No. 30), 1.18-mm (No. 16), 2.23-mm (No. 8), 4075-mm (3/8-in), 37.5-mm (1.5-in) and wider (3 in or 6 in).
- If any non-standard sieve is used, apply the total percent retention of this sieve during FM measurement to the next lower-sized standard sieve.
Report of Sieve Analysis Test
The following are included in the report:
- The absolute proportion of material moving through each sieve, or
- The overall proportion of material retained on each sieve or on each sieve
- Percentage of material between consecutive sieves maintained
- Report the fineness modulus to the nearest 0.01 as necessary.
Also Read: All About of Portland Cement Uses
Sand Zone Classification:
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| IS Sieve | Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3 | Zone 4 |
| 10 mm | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| 4.75 mm | 90 – 100 | 90 – 100 | 90 – 100 | 90 – 100 |
| 2.36 mm | 60 – 95 | 75 – 100 | 85 – 100 | 95 – 100 |
| 1.18 mm | 30 – 70 | 55 – 90 | 75 – 100 | 90 – 100 |
| 600 microns | 15 – 34 | 35 – 59 | 60 – 79 | 80 – 100 |
| 300 microns | 5 – 20 | 8 – 30 | 12 – 40 | 15 – 50 |
| 150 microns | 0 – 10 | 0 – 10 | 0 – 10 | 0 – 15 |
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Table for Fine Aggregate:
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| SIEVE NO. | SEIVE SIZE | SIEVE WITH MATERIAL | WEIGHT OF SIEVE | MATERIAL RETAINED | % MATERIAL RETAINED | CUMULATIVE % RETAINED | % FINER |
| TOTAL |
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Table for Coarse Aggregate:
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| SIEVE NO. | SIEVE SIZE | SIEVE WITH MATERIAL | WEIGHT OF SIEVE | MATERIAL RETAINED | % MATERIAL RETAINED | CUMULATIVE % RETAINED | % FINER |
| TOTAL |
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What Is Fineness Modulus?
The Fineness Modulus (FM) is an empirical figure obtained by adding the total percentage of the sample of an aggregate retained on each of a specified series of sieves and dividing the sum by 100.
Sieve Analysis Procedure
The fineness modulus of fine aggregate varies from 2.0 to 3.5mm.
Values of Fineness Modulus of Sand.
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| Type of Sand | Fineness Modulus Range |
| Fine sand |
2.2 mm – 2.6mm
|
| Medium sand |
2.6 mm – 2.9 mm
|
| Coarse sand |
2.9 mm – 3.2 mm
|
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Fineness Modulus of Fine Aggregate
Fineness modulus of fine aggregate is 2.75. It means the average value of aggregate is in between the 2nd sieve and 3rd sieve. It means the average aggregate size is in between 0.3mm to 0.6mm
Fineness Modulus of Coarse Aggregate
The same value of fineness modulus may therefore be obtained from several different particle size distributions. In general, however, a smaller value indicates a finer aggregate. Fine aggregates range from an FM of 2.00 to 4.00, and coarse aggregates smaller than 38.1 mm range from 6.75 to 8.00.
Sieve Analysis of Sand
Fineness modulus of sand (fine aggregate) is an index number which represents the mean size of the particles in sand. It is calculated by performing sieve analysis with standard sieves. The cumulative percentage retained on each sieve is added and subtracted by 100 gives the value of fineness modulus.
Sieve Analysis Test Procedure
- 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 the sample accurately – Weight (g).
- Step 4: Prepare a stack of test sieves.
- Step 5: Weigh all the sieves and the pan separately.
- Step 6: Pour the samples from step 3 into the top of the stack of sieves and put the lid on, place the stack in the sieve shaker and fix the clamps, adjust the timer to between 10 and 15 minutes, and switch on the shaker.
- Step 7: Stop the sieve shaker and measure the mass of each sieve and retained soil/material.
Sand Zone Classification
It divides the sand in four zones i.e. from Zone I to Zone IV. Zone I–Sand being very coarse and Zone 4 sand is very fine. It is generally recommended by code to use sands of zones I to Zone III for Structural concrete works.
What Is Fineness Modulus of Sand?
The Fineness Modulus of Sand is an index number that indicates the mean size of the sand particles. It is calculated by performing the sieve analysis test with standard IS sieves. The fineness modulus of sand ranges from 2.2 to 3.2. To find the fineness modulus of fine aggregate required IS sieve are sizes of 4.75mm.
How to Calculate Fineness Modulus?
The Fineness Modulus (FM) is an empirical figure obtained by adding the total percentage of the sample of an aggregate retained on each of a specified series of sieves, and dividing the sum by 100.
Fineness Modulus of Coarse Aggregate
Fineness modulus of coarse aggregates represents the average size of the particles in the coarse aggregate by an index number. It is calculated by performing sieve analysis with standard sieves. The cumulative percentage retained on each sieve is added and subtracted by 100 gives the value of fine aggregate.
What Is the Typical Range of Fineness Modulus Values for Fine Aggregates?
Fine aggregates range from an FM of 2.00 to 4.00, and coarse aggregates smaller than 38.1 mm range from 6.75 to 8.00.
What Is Fineness Modulus and Its Importance?
The significance of fineness modulus (FM) is in specifying the proportions of fine and coarse aggregates when designing concrete mixes. The higher the value of FM, the coarser the aggregate. Generally, a lower FM results in more paste, making the concrete easier to finish.
How Do You Calculate Fineness Modulus of Sand?
To calculate the fineness modulus of sand, the sum of the cumulative percentages retained on the following sieves are divided by 100: 150μm (No. 100), 300μm (No. 50), 600-μm (No. 30), 1.18mm (No. 16), 2.36mm (No. 8), and 4.75mm (No. 4) for fine aggregates.
What Is the Fineness Modulus of Portland Cement?
AASTHO Designation: M6-93- “Standard Specification for Fine Aggregate For Portland Cement Concrete”- It indicates that the fineness modulus of sand will not be less than 2.3 and nor more than 3.1.
What Is the Effect of Fineness Modulus on Hydration?
The fineness of cement affects hydration rate, and in turn, the strength. Increasing fineness causes an increased rate of hydration, high strength, and high heat generation. Bleeding can be reduced by increasing fineness.
Why Do We Calculate Fineness Modulus?
The significance of fineness modulus (FM) is in specifying the proportions of fine and coarse aggregates when designing concrete mixes. The higher the value of FM, the coarser the aggregate. Generally, a lower FM results in more paste, making the concrete easier to finish.
What Does a High Fineness Modulus Mean?
The significance of fineness modulus (FM) is in specifying the proportions of fine and coarse aggregates when designing concrete mixes. The higher the value of FM, the coarser the aggregate. Generally, a lower FM results in more paste, making the concrete easier to finish.
What Is the Use of Fineness Modulus of Fine Aggregate?
The significance of fineness modulus (FM) is in specifying the proportions of fine and coarse aggregates when designing concrete mixes. The higher the value of FM, the coarser the aggregate. Generally, a lower FM results in more paste, making the concrete easier to finish.
Why Is Knowing Fineness Modulus Necessary for Sand?
Fineness Modulus of Sand affects Compressive and flexural strength of Concrete. Sand, with higher FM, results in higher strength of concrete. It is evident by cost benefit ratio that overall concrete mix is becoming economical if we use sand with higher FM.
How Do You Interpret Fineness Modulus?
The significance of fineness modulus (FM) is in specifying the proportions of fine and coarse aggregates when designing concrete mixes. The higher the value of FM, the coarser the aggregate. Generally, a lower FM results in more paste, making the concrete easier to finish.
What Is Meant by Fineness Modulus?
In a nutshell, fineness modulus describes the gradation curve as well as the texture and uniformity of the material. A lower FM factor means that the aggregate particles in that sample are finer on average.
What Is the Fineness Modulus of Cement?
The Fineness modulus of cement is an empirical figure obtained by adding the total percentage of the sample of an aggregate retained on each of a specified series of sieves, and dividing the sum by 100. The proportion of cement of which the grain sizes are larger than the specified mesh size is thus determined.
What Is the Fineness Modulus Used for?
Fineness modulus offers a way to quantify the average size of the aggregate particles in the concrete mix. The size of the particles, in turn, will greatly affect how easily the concrete pours and spreads, as well as its strength and durability once cured.
What Is the FM of Sand?
FM of Sand– 2.2 to 3.2. The Fineness Modulus of Sand is an index number that indicates the mean size of the sand particles. It is calculated by performing the sieve analysis test with standard IS sieves. The fineness modulus of sand ranges from 2.2 to 3.2.
Which Zone Sand Is the Finest Sand?
Zone I–Sand being very coarse and Zone 4 sand is very fine. It is generally recommended by code to use sands of zones I to Zone III for Structural concrete works.
What Is Fineness Modulus Used For?
Fineness modulus offers a way to quantify the average size of the aggregate particles in the concrete mix. The size of the particles, in turn, will greatly affect how easily the concrete pours and spreads, as well as its strength and durability once cured.
What Is the Range of Fineness Modulus?
Fine aggregates range from an FM of 2.00 to 4.00, and coarse aggregates smaller than 38.1 mm range from 6.75 to 8.00. Combinations of fine and coarse aggregates have intermediate values.
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What Is Fine Aggregate?
Fine aggregates generally consist of natural sand or crushed stone with most particles passing through a 3/8-inch sieve. Coarse aggregates are any particles greater than 0.19 inch, but generally range between 3/8 and 1.5 inches in diameter.
What Is Coarse Aggregate?
Coarse aggregates are any particles greater than 0.19 inch, but generally range between 3/8 and 1.5 inches in diameter. Gravels constitute the majority of coarse aggregate used in concrete with crushed stone making up most of the remainder.
Fineness Modulus of Fine Aggregate
The Fineness Modulus (FM) of fine aggregates (sand) is an empirical figure obtained by adding the total percentage of the sample of a sand retained on each of a specified series of sieves and dividing the sum by 100.
Fineness Modulus of Coarse Aggregate
Fineness modulus of coarse aggregates represents the average size of the particles in the coarse aggregate by an index number. It is calculated by performing sieve analysis with standard sieves. The cumulative percentage retained on each sieve is added and subtracted by 100 gives the value of fine aggregate.
Fineness Modulus Sieve Sizes
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.
What Is the Purpose of Sieve Analysis?
The sieve analysis determines the gradation (the distribution of aggregate particles, by size, within a given sample) in order to determine compliance with design, production control requirements, and verification specifications.
What Is Sieve Analysis of Soil?
Sieve analysis is a method that is used to determine the grain size distribution of soils that are greater than 0.075 mm in diameter. It is usually performed for sand and gravel but cannot be used as the sole method for determining the grain size distribution of finer soil.
What Is Wet Sieve Analysis?
Wet sieving is a procedure used to evaluate particle size distribution or gradation of a granular material. It’s also used to prepare a granular material for particle size analysis by removing fines that may impede the separation process.
Sieve Analysis Test Procedure
Weigh the pan and all of the sieves separately. Pour the soil from above into the stack of sieves and place the cover on it. Put the stack in the sieve shaker, affix the clamps, set a timer for 10 to 15 minutes, and start the shaker. Stop the sieve shaker and measure the mass of each sieve and retained soil.
Sieve Analysis Calculation
Divide the masses for each sieve (individual/cumulative) by the total dry mass before washing and multiply by 100 to determine the percent retained on and passing each sieve. Calculate the percent retained and passing each sieve to the nearest 0.1%.
What Is Fineness Modulus Used For?
The significance of fineness modulus (FM) is in specifying the proportions of fine and coarse aggregates when designing concrete mixes. The higher the value of FM, the coarser the aggregate. Generally, a lower FM results in more paste, making the concrete easier to finish.
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