Geotechnical & Material Engineering

Sieve Analysis: Complete Guide to Methods, Calculations, Standards & Equipment

The definitive all-in-one reference: full ASTM/IS/BS sieve size tables with mesh-to-micron conversion, step-by-step procedure, every formula (% retained, % passing, C_u, C_c, FM), a fully worked example with complete data table, gradation curve, USCS & AASHTO classification, hydrometer analysis, wet sieving, error guide and live FM calculator.

ASTM D6913 / IS 2720 All Formulas Full Worked Example FM Calculator

By Bimal Ghimire • Published July 13, 2025 • Updated February 26, 2026 • 25 min read

Foundation

What Is Sieve Analysis and Why Does It Matter?

Sieve analysis (also called gradation analysis or mechanical analysis) is the laboratory procedure that determines the particle size distribution (PSD) of a granular material by passing a dried, weighed sample through a series of wire-mesh sieves arranged in decreasing order of opening size. The mass retained on each sieve is weighed and expressed as a percentage of the total sample mass.

The result - a grading curve - is the single most important index property for coarse-grained soils and aggregate materials. It directly governs bearing capacity, permeability, compactability, frost susceptibility, filter design, and concrete/asphalt mix proportioning.

Sieve analysis is applicable to particles ranging from 75 mm (3-inch cobbles) down to 75 µm (No. 200 sieve). Finer material (silt and clay < 75 µm) requires hydrometer analysis, which is covered later in this guide.

75 mm

Largest sieve (3 inch)

75 µm

No.200 - finest sieve

ASTM D6913

Primary US standard

IS 2720-4

Indian standard

Key principle: Sieve analysis separates particles by size. Mass retained on each sieve is weighed, then cumulative % passing is plotted against sieve opening on a semi-log graph. The shape of this curve determines soil classification, engineering behaviour, and material suitability.

Significance

Why Is Sieve Analysis Important?

Application Field	How PSD Is Used	Critical Parameter
Foundation Engineering	Classify soil, estimate bearing capacity, predict settlement	D₁₀, D₃₀, D₆₀, USCS group symbol
Pavement Design	Select base/sub-base aggregate gradation (AASHTO spec)	% passing No. 200, gradation limits
Concrete Mix Design	Choose fine/coarse aggregate ratios per IS 383 / ASTM C33	Fineness Modulus (FM) of sand
Asphalt/Bituminous Mix	Verify aggregate grading fits design envelope	Gradation curve shape, % passing key sieves
Filter Design (dams/retaining walls)	Ensure filter does not clog or allow piping	D₁₅(filter) / D₈₅(base) ratio
Drainage Systems	Select gravel size for French drains, storm-water filters	D₁₀ (effective size), permeability estimate
Geology / Sedimentology	Classify sediment, identify depositional environment	Sorting coefficient, skewness, kurtosis of PSD
Mining / Quarrying	Control crusher output, product quality	% retained per product size fraction

Laboratory Setup

Equipment & Apparatus

A complete sieve analysis setup requires the following equipment:

Item	Specification / Standard	Purpose
Wire-mesh sieves (set)	ASTM E11 / IS 460 / BS 410; square openings; stainless steel wire cloth	Size separation of particles
Sieve shaker (mechanical)	Rotary / vibrating type; amplitude 1–3 mm; frequency 200–400 rpm for 10–15 min	Ensures complete separation without manual shaking bias
Weighing balance	Capacity ≥ 10 kg; readability 0.1 g for fine soils, 1 g for coarse	Weighing retained fractions
Oven	105°C ± 5°C; forced convection preferred	Drying sample to constant mass
Desiccator	With silica gel or CaCl₂ desiccant	Cooling dry sample without moisture reabsorption
Brush & pan	Stiff bristle brush; stainless steel pan	Cleaning sieves; collecting pan fraction (< No. 200)
Splitter / riffle box	For representative sub-sampling of large field samples	Reducing sample to required test mass
Washing apparatus (for wet sieving)	Water supply, rubber-tipped spatula, No. 200 sieve	Washing fines from coarse fraction
Hydrometer (for fine fraction)	ASTM 152H; 0–60 g/L range; 0.5 g/L divisions	Sedimentation test for silt + clay

Sample mass requirement (ASTM D6913 Table 1): Minimum sample mass depends on maximum particle size: 3 in (75 mm) → 60 kg; 1 in (25 mm) → 5 kg; No. 4 (4.75 mm) → 0.5 kg; No. 10 (2 mm) → 0.1 kg. Using too small a sample for large aggregate gives unreliable results.

Reference Tables

Sieve Size Tables: ASTM, IS & BS

Coarse Sieves (US & Metric)

US Designation	Alternate Name	Opening (mm)	Opening (µm)	IS/BS Equivalent
3 in	75 mm sieve	75.0	75,000	75 mm
2½ in	63 mm	63.0	63,000	63 mm
2 in	50 mm	50.0	50,000	50 mm
1½ in	37.5 mm	37.5	37,500	40 mm
1 in	25 mm	25.0	25,000	25 mm
¾ in	19 mm	19.0	19,000	20 mm
½ in	12.5 mm	12.5	12,500	12.5 mm
⅜ in	9.5 mm	9.5	9,500	10 mm
No. 4	4.75 mm	4.75	4,750	4.75 mm
No. 10	2.0 mm	2.0	2,000	2.0 mm
No. 20	850 µm	0.85	850	-
No. 40	425 µm	0.425	425	425 µm
No. 60	250 µm	0.25	250	-
No. 100	150 µm	0.15	150	150 µm
No. 200	75 µm	0.075	75	75 µm

Memory aid: Each sieve in the ASTM series has an opening approximately √2 (≈1.414) times larger than the next smaller sieve. This ensures consistent spacing on the logarithmic gradation curve. The No. 4 sieve (4.75 mm) is the conventional boundary between gravel and sand. The No. 200 sieve (75 µm) marks the boundary between sand and fines (silt + clay).

IS 460 Sieve Designations (additional sizes commonly used in India)

IS Designation	Opening (mm)	Use
80 mm	80.0	Coarse gravel / sub-base material
40 mm	40.0	Nominal max size concrete aggregate
20 mm	20.0	Common concrete / road aggregate
16 mm	16.0	Concrete fine aggregate upper bound
10 mm	10.0	Fine aggregate / sub-grade
4.75 mm	4.75	Sand/gravel boundary
2.36 mm	2.36	FM calculation (IS 383)
1.18 mm	1.18	FM calculation (IS 383)
600 µm	0.600	FM calculation (IS 383)
300 µm	0.300	FM calculation (IS 383)
150 µm	0.150	FM calculation (IS 383)
75 µm	0.075	Fines boundary

Lab Method

Step-by-Step Sieve Analysis Procedure (ASTM D6913 / IS 2720 Part 4)

Sample Collection & Reduction

Obtain a representative sample from the field (bulk sample using ASTM D75 or IS 2430). Use a riffle box or quartering method to reduce to the required test mass. Avoid selecting particles by hand.

Drying

Place sample in oven at 105°C ± 5°C until constant mass (typically 24 hours for clays, 4–8 hours for sands and gravels). Record dry mass (M_total). Allow to cool in desiccator for 30–60 min before weighing.

Sieve Selection & Assembly

Select the appropriate set of sieves for the material. Arrange sieves from largest opening at top to smallest at bottom, with a pan (receiver) at the very bottom. Nest all sieves and lock into the sieve shaker.

Loading the Sample

Pour the cooled, dry sample into the top sieve. Avoid overloading any sieve (max 6–7 kg/m² of sieve area as per ASTM E11; see equipment table for guidance).

Mechanical Shaking

Shake for 10–15 minutes on mechanical sieve shaker. For fine materials (FM sand), 15–20 minutes is recommended. Verify completeness: less than 1% of material on any sieve should pass during additional 1-minute shaking.

Weighing Retained Fractions

Carefully transfer the material retained on each sieve and in the pan into individual tared containers. Weigh each fraction and record (m_i). Use a brush to recover all particles from the sieve mesh, especially No. 100 and No. 200.

Mass Check (Error Control)

Sum all retained masses: ΣM_i. Compare with original dry mass M_total. Acceptable loss: ≤ 0.3% of M_total (ASTM D6913). If loss exceeds this, repeat the test.

Calculation

For each sieve: compute % retained = (m_i / M_total) × 100. Compute cumulative % retained = sum of all % retained from top down to that sieve. Compute % passing = 100 − cumulative % retained.

Plotting the Gradation Curve

Plot % passing (Y-axis, 0–100%) vs sieve opening size (X-axis, logarithmic scale). Connect points with smooth curves. Mark D₁₀, D₃₀, D₆₀ for classification parameters.

Report

Record all data, sieve set used, sample description, standard referenced, test date, operator. Generate a professional report including the data table and gradation curve.

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Mathematics

All Key Sieve Analysis Formulas

Basic Sieve Analysis Calculations

$$\% \text{ Retained on sieve } i = \frac{m_i}{M_{total}} \times 100$$ $$\text{Cumulative \% Retained} = \sum_{j=1}^{i} \frac{m_j}{M_{total}} \times 100$$ $$\% \text{ Passing (Finer)} = 100 - \text{Cumulative \% Retained}$$

$m_i$ = mass retained on sieve $i$ (g). $M_{total}$ = total dry sample mass (g). The % passing value at any sieve opening is read directly from the gradation curve.

Characteristic Particle Diameters (from gradation curve)

$$D_{10} = \text{particle size at which } 10\% \text{ of sample is finer (Effective Size)}$$ $$D_{30} = \text{particle size at which } 30\% \text{ of sample is finer}$$ $$D_{50} = \text{median particle size (} 50\% \text{ finer)}$$ $$D_{60} = \text{particle size at which } 60\% \text{ of sample is finer}$$ $$D_{85} = \text{particle size at which } 85\% \text{ of sample is finer (used in filter design)}$$

These values are read directly from the semi-log gradation curve by entering the % passing axis at the required percentage and reading off the corresponding particle size on the x-axis. Interpolation between sieve points is acceptable.

Coefficient of Uniformity (C_u) & Coefficient of Curvature (C_c)

$$C_u = \frac{D_{60}}{D_{10}}$$ $$C_c = \frac{(D_{30})^2}{D_{10} \times D_{60}}$$

C_u measures the spread of the gradation. C_u < 4 → poorly graded (uniform); C_u ≥ 4 (gravel) or ≥ 6 (sand) → well-graded candidate.
C_c measures the shape of the gradation curve. 1 ≤ C_c ≤ 3 → well-graded candidate.
Both C_u ≥ 4 (or 6) AND 1 ≤ C_c ≤ 3 must be satisfied for GW or SW classification (USCS).

Fineness Modulus (FM) - IS 383 / ASTM C136

$$FM = \frac{\sum \text{Cumulative \% Retained on standard sieves}}{100}$$

Standard sieves for FM (ASTM): No. 100, No. 50, No. 30, No. 16, No. 8, No. 4, ⅜ in, ¾ in, 1½ in, 3 in, 6 in

Standard sieves for FM (IS 383): 150 µm, 300 µm, 600 µm, 1.18 mm, 2.36 mm, 4.75 mm

FM is a single number representing the weighted average sieve size. Higher FM = coarser aggregate. For concrete fine aggregate (IS 383): Zone I: FM 3.5–4.5 (coarse sand); Zone II: FM 2.6–3.5; Zone III: FM 1.5–2.5; Zone IV: FM 1.0–1.5 (fine sand).

Percent Fines & Mass Balance Check

$$\% \text{ Fines} = \% \text{ Passing No. 200 (75 \mu m sieve)}$$ $$\text{Mass loss} = M_{total} - \sum m_i$$ $$\text{Acceptable if: } \frac{\text{Mass loss}}{M_{total}} \times 100 \leq 0.3\%$$

If the mass loss exceeds 0.3% of total sample mass, the test result is unreliable and should be repeated. Common causes: particles embedded in sieve mesh, material sticking to sides of sieves, inadequate brushing.

Hazen's Permeability Estimate (from D₁₀)

$$k = C_H \cdot D_{10}^2 \quad \text{(cm/s)}$$

$C_H$ = Hazen's coefficient (typically 100 for clean sands; range 1–1000 depending on soil type). $D_{10}$ in cm. Valid only for clean, uniformly graded sands with C_u < 5 and 0.1 mm < D₁₀ < 3 mm. This is an estimate only - always verify permeability with a permeameter test for design purposes.

Filter Design Criteria (Terzaghi / USBR)

$$\frac{D_{15,\text{filter}}}{D_{85,\text{base}}} \leq 5 \quad \text{(piping criterion)}$$ $$\frac{D_{15,\text{filter}}}{D_{15,\text{base}}} \geq 4 \quad \text{(permeability criterion)}$$ $$\frac{D_{50,\text{filter}}}{D_{50,\text{base}}} \leq 25 \quad \text{(additional check)}$$

These ratios ensure the filter is permeable enough to allow drainage but fine enough to prevent base material from migrating through. Widely used in dam design, retaining wall drainage, and French drain selection.

Complete Calculation

Fully Worked Example with Data Table

Problem: Classify a soil sample using USCS based on sieve analysis

A dry soil sample of mass 500 g was sieved. The mass retained on each sieve is given in the table below. Determine: (a) % retained and % passing for each sieve, (b) D₁₀, D₃₀, D₆₀, (c) C_u and C_c, (d) USCS classification.

Sieve No.	Opening (mm)	Mass Retained (g)	% Retained	Cumulative % Retained	% Passing (Finer)
No. 4	4.75	12 g	2.4%	2.4%	97.6%
No. 10	2	38 g	7.6%	10.0%	90.0%
No. 20	0.85	65 g	13.0%	23.0%	77.0%
No. 40	0.425	98 g	19.6%	42.6%	57.4%
No. 60	0.25	87 g	17.4%	60.0%	40.0%
No. 100	0.15	72 g	14.4%	74.4%	25.6%
No. 200	0.075	63 g	12.6%	87.0%	13.0%
Pan	-	65 g	13.0%	100.0%	0.0%
Total		500 g	100%	-	-

Step-by-Step Solution

% Retained check: Total retained = 12+38+65+98+87+72+63+65 = 500 g ✓ (0% loss - within 0.3% tolerance)

Read D-values from gradation curve:
D₁₀ ≈ 0.11 mm (10% passing line intersects curve between No. 100 and No. 200 sieve)
D₃₀ ≈ 0.30 mm (30% passing → interpolate between No. 60 and No. 40)
D₆₀ ≈ 0.50 mm (60% passing → at approximately No. 40 sieve region)

C_u = D₆₀ / D₁₀ = 0.50 / 0.11 = 4.55
C_c = (D₃₀)² / (D₁₀ × D₆₀) = (0.30)² / (0.11 × 0.50) = 0.09 / 0.055 = 1.64

% Fines (passing No. 200): 13.0% → > 12% fines, so likely SM or SC

USCS Classification: % coarser than No. 200 = 87%, > 50%, so coarse-grained. % coarser than No. 4 = 2.4%, < 50% → predominantly SAND. % fines = 13% → > 12% → requires Atterberg limits. If PI < 4 or plots below A-line → SM (Silty Sand). If PI > 7 and plots above A-line → SC (Clayey Sand). FM = (2.4 + 10.0 + 23.0 + 42.6 + 60.0 + 74.4) / 100 = 212.4 / 100 = 2.12 (IS 383 Zone III: medium fine sand).

Plotting

The Gradation Curve: Plotting & Interpretation

The gradation curve (also called particle size distribution curve or grading curve) is a semi-logarithmic graph with:

X-axis (logarithmic): Particle/sieve opening size in mm (from right = large to left = small)
Y-axis (linear): Cumulative % passing (finer) from 0 to 100%

The shape of the curve carries the key information:

Curve Shape	Description	C_u	Soil Type	Engineering Implication
Steep, narrow S-shape	Poorly graded (uniform) - all particles near same size	< 4 (sand) / < 4 (gravel)	SP or GP	High permeability; poor compaction; good drainage filter
Gentle, wide S-shape	Well-graded - wide range of particle sizes, no gaps	≥ 6 (sand) / ≥ 4 (gravel), C_c: 1–3	SW or GW	High density when compacted; good sub-base, fill
Double S-shape or plateau	Gap-graded - missing intermediate sizes	High but C_c < 1 or > 3	SP or GP	Susceptible to internal instability; segregation risk
Mostly vertical at right side	Coarse-dominated; rapid drop from 100%	-	GW/GP	Very permeable gravel; poor fine-filter retention
Mostly flat, slow descent	Fine-dominated; contains significant silt/clay	-	SM/SC/ML	Low permeability; susceptible to frost heave; requires compaction control

Plotting tip: Always use a standardized pre-printed gradation chart (available in ASTM or IS format) or generate one with our Sieve Analysis Report Generator which plots the curve automatically from your entered data.

Grading Indices

C_u, C_c & Fineness Modulus - Detailed Reference

Parameter	Symbol	Formula	Well-graded Criterion	Poorly-graded Indicator
Effective Size	D₁₀	10% finer on curve	-	-
Coefficient of Uniformity	C_u	D₆₀ / D₁₀	≥ 6 (sand) / ≥ 4 (gravel)	< 4 (poorly graded)
Coefficient of Curvature	C_c	(D₃₀)² / (D₁₀ × D₆₀)	1 ≤ C_c ≤ 3	< 1 or > 3
Median Particle Size	D₅₀	50% finer on curve	-	-
Sorting Coefficient	S_o	√(D₇₅ / D₂₅)	Well sorted: S_o < 2.5	Poorly sorted: S_o > 4.5
Fineness Modulus (ASTM)	FM	Σ(cum.% retained on std sieves) / 100	Fine agg: 2.3–3.1 (ASTM C33)	< 2.3 (too fine) / > 3.1 (too coarse)
Fineness Modulus (IS 383)	FM	Σ(cum.% ret. on 6 IS sieves) / 100	Zone II: 2.6–3.5 (preferred)	Zone IV < 1.5 (very fine)

FM Calculation Example (IS 383)

Sieves: 4.75mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600µm, 300µm, 150µm

Cumulative % retained: 0, 5, 15, 35, 68, 88

$$FM = \frac{0 + 5 + 15 + 35 + 68 + 88}{100} = \frac{211}{100} = 2.11$$

FM = 2.11 → IS 383 Zone III sand (fine to medium). Suitable for concrete with adequate water/cement ratio. Coarser sands (Zone I, FM ~3.5–4.5) are preferred for high-strength concrete.

Soil Classification

USCS & AASHTO Classification from Sieve Analysis

USCS Classification Flow (ASTM D2487)

Step	Criterion	Result
1. Coarse or Fine?	% passing No. 200 (75 µm)	< 50% → Coarse-grained; ≥ 50% → Fine-grained (ML/CL/MH/CH)
2. Sand or Gravel?	% passing No. 4 (4.75 mm)	< 50% of coarse fraction → GRAVEL (G); ≥ 50% → SAND (S)
3a. Fines < 5%?	Check C_u and C_c	Meets both criteria → GW or SW; fails → GP or SP
3b. Fines > 12%?	Run Atterberg limits	PI < 4 or below A-line → GM or SM; PI > 7, above A-line → GC or SC
3c. Fines 5–12%?	Dual symbol required	GW-GM, GW-GC, GP-GM, GP-GC, SW-SM, SW-SC, SP-SM, SP-SC

AASHTO Classification (M145) - Simplified Reference

AASHTO Group	% Pass No. 200	% Pass No. 40	% Pass No. 10	Typical Description	General Rating as Subgrade
A-1-a	≤ 15%	≤ 30%	≤ 50%	Stone fragments, gravel, sand	Excellent
A-1-b	≤ 25%	≤ 50%	-	Stone fragments, gravel, sand	Excellent
A-2-4	≤ 35%	-	-	Silty or clayey gravel and sand	Good
A-3	≤ 10%	≤ 51%	> 50%	Fine sand	Good
A-4	36–75%	-	-	Silty soil	Fair to Poor
A-5	36–75%	-	-	Silty soil (elastic)	Poor
A-6	36–75%	-	-	Clayey soil	Poor
A-7	> 35%	-	-	Highly plastic clay	Very Poor

Note: AASHTO classification requires both sieve analysis and Atterberg limits (liquid limit LL and plasticity index PI) for final group determination. The Group Index (GI) refines the rating within each group: GI = 0 is best; GI > 20 is poor subgrade material.

Fine Particle Analysis

Hydrometer Analysis - Extending Below 75 µm

For soils with significant fines (passing No. 200 > 15%), sieve analysis alone is insufficient to characterize the full PSD. Hydrometer analysis (ASTM D7928 / IS 2720 Part 4) extends the gradation curve into the silt and clay range (75 µm down to ~0.5 µm) using Stokes' Law of particle settling velocity.

Stokes' Law - Particle Settling Velocity

$$v = \frac{(\gamma_s - \gamma_w) \cdot D^2}{18\eta}$$ $$D = \sqrt{\frac{18\eta \cdot L}{(\gamma_s - \gamma_w) \cdot t}}$$

$v$ = settling velocity (cm/s). $\gamma_s$ = unit weight of soil particles (g/cm³). $\gamma_w$ = unit weight of water. $D$ = particle diameter (cm). $\eta$ = dynamic viscosity of water at test temperature (varies from 0.01307 g/cm·s at 10°C to 0.00894 at 25°C). $L$ = effective depth of hydrometer (cm). $t$ = elapsed time (min).

Parameter	Hydrometer Test Detail
Standard reference	ASTM D7928 (2017), IS 2720 Part 4, BS 1377 Part 2
Sample mass	50 g (fine-grained); 100 g (mixed)
Dispersing agent	Sodium hexametaphosphate (40 g/L solution); 125 mL per specimen
Soaking time	16 hours minimum in dispersant before reading
Reading times (typical)	2 min, 5 min, 15 min, 30 min, 60 min, 250 min, 1440 min
Corrections needed	Meniscus correction (+0.5 typically), temperature correction, composite correction (blank reading)
Temperature effect	Viscosity changes significantly; correction chart per ASTM D7928 Appendix
Particle size range	~0.5 µm to 75 µm (silt and clay)
Boundary: silt vs clay	USCS: 5 µm (some references), MIT: 2 µm, ASTM: 2 µm

Combined analysis: For soils with fines, run sieve analysis on the coarse fraction (retained on No. 200) and hydrometer analysis on the fine fraction. Merge the two datasets to plot a complete gradation curve from 75 mm down to 0.5 µm on the same semi-log graph.

Special Method

Wet Sieve Analysis - When & How

Wet sieve analysis (or wash sieve analysis) is required when the sample contains significant clay or silt particles that coat or stick to coarser particles and cannot be separated by dry sieving alone. The process involves washing the material through the No. 200 sieve with water before dry sieving.

Step	Wet Sieve Procedure
1	Dry and weigh sample (M₁). Soak in water for 1 hour to disperse clay lumps.
2	Wash sample over a No. 200 sieve nested over a collection pan. Use gentle running water; do not force particles through the sieve with a brush.
3	Continue washing until wash water runs clear (visually confirmed).
4	Dry the material retained on No. 200 sieve in oven at 105°C. Weigh (M₂).
5	Calculate mass of fines washed through: M_fines = M₁ − M₂.
6	Proceed with dry sieve analysis on the oven-dried material M₂ retained on No. 200.
7	Add the washed fines mass (M_fines) to the pan fraction from dry sieving when computing % passing No. 200.

When to use wet sieving: If % passing No. 200 by dry sieving exceeds 5–10% and the soil appears cohesive, or if clay skins are visible on coarser particles (e.g., lateritic gravel, decomposed rock). Wet sieving gives more accurate fines content for such soils.

Quality Control

Common Errors & How to Avoid Them

Error	Cause	Effect on Result	Prevention
Sample not fully dried	Incomplete oven drying; moisture remaining	Overestimated total mass; % retained under-reported	Dry to constant mass (two successive weighings < 0.1% difference)
Sieve overloading	Too much material on a single sieve	Particles blocked from passing; under-reported % passing	Follow ASTM D6913 Table 1 for max mass per sieve
Inadequate shaking time	Short shaking; incomplete separation	Coarser gradation apparent (material not fully passed down)	Minimum 10 min; do 1-min verification shaking
Particle loss	Spillage, poor brush technique, electrostatic retention	Mass balance error > 0.3%; invalid result	Work over a large tray; use anti-static brush; weigh all pans
Damaged sieves	Holes in wire cloth; distorted frames	Particles pass through hole → larger apparent % finer	Inspect sieves before each test; calibrate per ASTM E11 annually
Clay coating on coarse particles	Cohesive fines sticking to gravel/coarse sand	Under-reported fines; coarser apparent PSD	Use wet sieve analysis when fines > 5% or cohesive soils
Wrong sample mass	Too small sample for max particle size	Statistically unrepresentative; high variability	Follow ASTM D6913 Table 1; use riffle box for reduction
Non-representative sampling	Hand-picking particles; sampling segregated stockpile	Biased PSD; over/under-fine	Use ASTM D75 sampling methods; sample from multiple locations

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Sieve Analysis Report Generator

Enter your sieve data and instantly generate a complete, professional sieve analysis report - including a plotted gradation curve, D-values (D₁₀, D₃₀, D₅₀, D₆₀), C_u, C_c, Fineness Modulus, USCS classification, and a downloadable PDF report. Built specifically for field engineers, lab technicians, and students.

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Fineness Modulus (FM) Calculator

FM Calculator - IS 383 & ASTM C136

Enter the cumulative % retained on each of the six standard IS sieves (or leave blank if not used). The FM is computed automatically.

4.75 mm (No. 4)

2.36 mm (No. 8)

1.18 mm (No. 16)

600 µm (No. 30)

300 µm (No. 50)

150 µm (No. 100)

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Help

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is sieve analysis and what does it determine?

Sieve analysis (gradation analysis or mechanical analysis) is a laboratory test that determines the particle size distribution (PSD) of a granular soil or aggregate material. A dried, weighed sample is passed through a series of wire-mesh sieves arranged from largest to smallest opening. The mass retained on each sieve is weighed and expressed as a cumulative percentage passing. The resulting gradation curve is used to classify the soil (USCS or AASHTO), compute engineering indices (D10, D60, Cu, Cc, FM), and assess suitability for specific engineering purposes.

2. What is the difference between dry and wet sieve analysis?

Dry sieve analysis is performed on oven-dried material and is suitable for clean sands, gravels, and aggregates with little to no cohesive fines. Wet sieve analysis (wash sieve analysis) is required when the sample contains significant clay or silt that coats coarser particles. In wet analysis, the sample is first washed through a No. 200 sieve to remove all fines, then the retained coarse fraction is dried and dry-sieved. Wet sieving gives a more accurate fines content for cohesive or lateritic soils.

3. What is the fineness modulus (FM) and what values are acceptable for concrete sand?

The Fineness Modulus (FM) is a single number representing the weighted average particle size of an aggregate. It is calculated as the sum of the cumulative % retained on each of the standard sieves (IS 383: 4.75, 2.36, 1.18, 0.60, 0.30, 0.15 mm) divided by 100. For concrete fine aggregate per IS 383: Zone I (coarse sand): FM 3.5–4.5; Zone II: FM 2.6–3.5; Zone III: FM 1.5–2.5; Zone IV (fine sand): FM 1.0–1.5. ASTM C33 acceptable range for fine aggregate: FM 2.3–3.1. Higher FM means coarser aggregate; lower FM means finer aggregate.

4. What are D10, D30, D60 and how are they used?

D10, D30, and D60 are characteristic particle sizes read from the gradation curve. D10 (Effective Size) is the diameter at which 10% of the sample is finer; D30 is at 30% finer; D60 is at 60% finer. They are used to compute: Coefficient of Uniformity (Cu = D60/D10) - measures gradation spread; Coefficient of Curvature (Cc = D30^2 / (D10 × D60)) - measures curve shape. Both are required for USCS classification of well-graded vs poorly-graded sands and gravels. D10 is also used to estimate permeability using Hazen's formula: k = C × D10^2 (cm/s).

5. What is the ASTM standard for sieve analysis of soils?

The primary ASTM standard for sieve analysis of soils is ASTM D6913 (Standard Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis). It covers both dry and wet sieve methods. For aggregates: ASTM C136 (fine and coarse aggregate). For hydrometer analysis of fine-grained soils: ASTM D7928. In India, the equivalent standards are IS 2720 Part 4 (grain size analysis) and IS 460 (wire cloth sieves). In the UK: BS 1377 Part 2.

6. What is the minimum sample mass for sieve analysis?

Minimum sample mass depends on the maximum particle size in the sample, as specified in ASTM D6913 Table 1: 3 inch (75 mm) max size → 60 kg minimum; 1.5 inch (37.5 mm) → 15 kg; 0.75 inch (19 mm) → 5 kg; No. 4 (4.75 mm) → 0.5 kg; No. 10 (2 mm) → 0.1 kg. Using too small a mass for coarse-grained material leads to statistically unrepresentative results and high variability between duplicate tests.

7. How do you read USCS classification from sieve analysis results?

Step 1: If % passing No. 200 is less than 50%, the soil is coarse-grained; if 50% or more, it is fine-grained. Step 2 (for coarse): if more than 50% of the coarse fraction is retained on No. 4, it is gravel (G); otherwise sand (S). Step 3: if % fines < 5%, check Cu and Cc - if both criteria met (Cu ≥ 6 for sand and 1 ≤ Cc ≤ 3), classify as SW or GW (well-graded); otherwise SP or GP. If % fines > 12%, run Atterberg limits for the plasticity chart to determine if it is SM/SC or GM/GC. If fines 5–12%, a dual symbol is assigned.

8. What is the acceptable mass loss tolerance in sieve analysis?

According to ASTM D6913, the acceptable mass loss (difference between initial dry sample mass and sum of all retained fractions plus pan fraction) must not exceed 0.3% of the total sample mass. If the loss is greater, the test should be repeated. Common causes of excessive loss include: particles lost during transfer between sieves, electrostatic attraction retaining fine particles on sieve frames, inadequate brushing, and spillage. Always work over a large tray and carefully brush sieves, especially No. 100 and No. 200.

9. How is hydrometer analysis different from sieve analysis?

Sieve analysis measures particle size by physically separating particles through sieves - it can measure down to 75 µm (No. 200 sieve). Hydrometer analysis (ASTM D7928, IS 2720 Part 4) measures particle size of silt and clay (below 75 µm) by timing how fast particles settle in water using Stokes' Law. Larger particles settle faster. A hydrometer measures the density of the suspension at various times, allowing calculation of particle diameter at that time. Both methods are combined to produce a complete PSD curve from 75 mm to 0.001 mm for mixed soils.

10. What is a gap-graded or well-graded soil?

A well-graded soil has a wide and continuous range of particle sizes with no significant gaps. On the gradation curve, this appears as a smooth S-shaped curve spanning many sieve sizes. USCS criteria: Cu ≥ 6 (sand) or ≥ 4 (gravel) AND Cc between 1 and 3. Well-graded soils compact to high density and are good fill and sub-base materials. A gap-graded (skip-graded) soil is missing an intermediate size range - its gradation curve shows a plateau or flat section. Despite having high Cu, Cc falls outside 1–3. Gap-graded soils can be prone to segregation, internal instability, and piping in dam applications.

11. Can I generate a sieve analysis report online?

Yes. EngineersViews provides a free online Sieve Analysis Report Generator at https://engineersviews.com/tools/sieve-analysis-report-generator/. You input your raw sieve data (mass retained on each sieve), and the tool automatically calculates % retained, cumulative % passing, D10, D30, D60, Cu, Cc, Fineness Modulus, and USCS classification, and plots the gradation curve. A professional downloadable PDF report is generated - suitable for lab submissions and engineering documentation.

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