BS 812 : Section 103.1 : 1985.

UDC i625.07 + 691.221 : 620.168.36

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British Standard

I esting aggregates
Part 103. Methods for determination
of particle size distribution
Section 103.1 Sieve tests'

Essais des granulats

Partie 103; Méthodes de.détermination de la distribution granulométrique
Section- 103.1 Essais à tamiS'

Prüfung von Zuschlagstoffen

Teil 103. Verfahren zur Bestimmung der Korngrößenverteilung
.Abschnitt 103.1 Siebprüfungen

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/1\BS 812 : Section 163.1 : 1985i

Foreword

_ _ _ ~ _ _ _ .
This Section'of BS 812, prepared under the direction of the
Cement,'Gypsum, Aggregates and Quarry Products
Standards Committee, is a revision of 7.1 of BS 812 : Part 1 :
1975,which is withdrawn by amendment. The remaining
sections of BS 812 : Part 1 and BS 812 : Parts 2,3 and 4
are also being revised and as each of the tests, or collection
of related tests, is revised, it is intended t o issue it as a
separate Part or Section of this standard.
It is intended that other British Standards should call up
BS 812 t e s t methods as the basis of compliance.
Nevertheless, it is not intended that all aggregates should be
subjected regularly to all the listed tests. Requirements in
other British Standard specifications will refer only to the
relevant test methods.
Some of the tests in other Parts of BS 812 are of limited
application, and advice on the use of simpler tests is given,
for example, when they can be used for a preliminary
sorting of aggregates to see whether more expensive testing
is justified.
Removal of fine material by decantation, described as the
modified method in the BS 812 : Part 1, has been made the
preferred method in this revision to ensure reliable testing
of aggregate containing fine material that may cause
agglomeration of particles.
In this revision the masses retained a t the completion of
sieving have been rationalized.
Reference should be made to BS 812 : Part 101 for general
guidance on testing aggregates, precision of test methods
and variance arising from sampling errors.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself
confer immunity from legal obligations.

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ISS 812 : Sectio? 103.1 : 1985

A
d Contents

Page
Foreword Inside front cover
Committeës responsible Back cover

Methods
1 Scope 2
2 Definitions 2
3 Principle 2
4 Sampling 2
5 Apparatus 2
6 Preparation of test portion 2
7 Procedure 3
8 Calculation and expression of results 4
9 Precision 4
10 Test report -4

Appendices
A Preparation and cleaning of test sieves
B Checking of test sieves

Tables
1 Particulars of sieves for sieveánalysis
2 Minimum mass of test portion for sieve analysis
3 Maximum mass to be retained a t the completion
of sieving 4 -
4 Precision data for determination of particle size
distribution 5

Figure
1 Chart for recording sieve analysis results 5

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Methods

5.3 A balance, or balances, of suitable capacity accurate to

______-~___ ___ 0.1 % ofthe mass of the t e s t portion.
This Sectionof BS 812 describes two methods for the NOTE. In general, two balances, one of approximately 6 kg capacity
determination of the particle size distribution of samples of accurate t o 1 g and the other of approximately 600 g capacity
aggregates and fillers by sieving. accurate to 0.1 g, will suffice. if aggregate of larger than 28 mm
nominal size is t o be tested a balance of 60 kg capacity accurate to
NOTE 1. For sampling and testing lightweight aggregates for 10 g will also be required.
concrete see BC 3681.
NOTE 2, The titles of the publications referred t o in this standard 5.4 Test sieves and nesting guard sieve, of the sizes and
ere Ilsted on the inside back cover. apertures appropriate to the specification of the material
being tested, complying with BS 410 and with the
appropriate sizes of lid(s) and receivers.
2 Definitions NOTE 1. A set of sieves of the sizes and apertures given in table 1
_____--I
will cover most applications of the method.
For the purposes of this Section of BS 812 the definitZñi NOTE 2. Some advice on cleaning and checking sieves is given in
given in BS 812 : Part 101 and Part 102 apply. appendices A and B.

Table 1. Particulars of sieves for sieve analysis

. 3 Principle
Nominal awrture sizes
3.1 Washing and sieving
Square hole perforated plate, Wire cloth,
This i s the preferred method (see 7.2) for aggregates which 450 mm or 300 mm diameter 300 mm or 200 mm
may contain clay or other materials likely to cause diameter
agglomeration of particles. It involves preliminary
separation by washing through a fine sieve before mm mm
determining particle size distribution by dry sieving. 75,O 3.35
63.0 2.36
3.2 Dry sieving 50.0 1.70
This is an alternative method (see 7.3) which may be used 37.5 1.18
for coarse and fineaggregates free from particles which 28.0
cause agglomeration. 20.0 IJm
NOTE i.Dry sieving gives ineccurate results for aggregates 14.0 850
containing clay but is qulcker and less laborious to carry out than 10.0 600
washing and sieving.
6.30 425
NOTE 2. It is not possible to specify accurately the amount of clay
or other materials which will make the method given in 7.3 5.00 300
inappropriate and unless it can be demonstrated (e.g. by previous 212
experience) that that method gives accurate results, it is 150
recommended that the method described in 7.2 should always be
used. Because of this some materials specifications may call for 75*
washing and sieving to be followed a t all times.
'For some applications, 63 pm is appropriate.

4 Sampling 5.5 A mechanical sieve shaker (optional).

The sample used for the test (the laboratory sample) shall 5.6 Trays, that can be heated in the ventilated oven (5.2)
be taken in accordance with the procedures described in without damage or change in mass.
clause 5 of BS 812 : Part 102 : 1984. 5.7 Containers, of a size sufficient to contain the test
portion plus five times i t s volume of water (for washing and
sieving method only).
5 Apparatus
5.1 A sample divider, of size appropriate to the maximum
particle size to be handled or alternatively a flat shovel and 6 Preparation of test portion
a clean, flat, hard horizontal surface, e.g. a metal tray for Reduce the sample in accordance with the procedures
use in quartering.
described in clause 6 of BS 812 : Part 102 : 1984 to
NOTE. A suitable divider i s the riffle box illustrated in BS 812 : produce the required number of test portions each of
Part 102.
which complies with the minimum mass given in table 2.
5,2 A ventilated oven, thermostati2ally controlled to Dry the test portions by heating a t a temperature of
maintain a temperature of 105 i 5 C. 105 $: 5 O C to achieve a dry mass which is constant to
within 0.1 %. Allow to cool, weigh and record as M I .

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BS 812 : Section 103.1 : 1985'

7.2.1.2 Place the weighed oven dried test portion in a

Table 2. Minimum mass of test container (5.71 and add suffícjent water to half fill the
portion for sieve analysis container. Agitate the contents so that particles smaller
~

Nominal size Minimum mass of

than 75 pm are completely separated from coarser particles.
of material test portion NOTE. Soaking or continued agitation or, in the case of large
particles, brushing may be required to achieve complete separation.
mm kg 7.2.1.3 Pour the suspension of fine solids on to the
63 50 guarded 75 pm t e s t sieve.
50 35
NOTE, The suspension passing the test sieve may be run to waste
40 15 unless it is required for other purposes.
28 5 7.2.1.4 Continue washing the coarse residue until the
20 2 water passing the test sieve i s clear (see note 2)and then
14 I wash all the residues from the container and sieve(s) into
IO 0.5 the tray (5.6). Remove excess free water by careful
6 0.2 decantation through the test sieve, avoiding transfer of
5 0.2 solids (see note 2)and dry the residue in the oven (5.2)
3 0.2 a t 105 tr 5 O C until constant mass is achieved. Cool, weigh
<3 o.1 and record as M2.
NOTE 1. Avoid excess watet flows which may damage or flood the
sieves.
N O T E 2. I f some transfer of solids does occur wash them back into
the tray and repeat the operation.
NOTE 3. Fine sieves are fragile and the integrity of the mesh should
7 Procedure be checked frequently (see appendix BI.
7.1 General 7.2.1.5 Determine the mass of material passing the test
7.1 .I For some materials, e.g. all in aggregates or hoggin, sieve as Ml - M2.
the particle size distribution may result in excess mass on 7.2.2 Sieving the dried residue
one or more sieves particularly on the finer sizes. 7.2.2.1 Nest the clean and dry sieves on a fitting receiver
Therefore, if it is not possible to include extra sieves of in order of increasing aperture size from bottom to top.
appropriate intermediate size to reduce the loading, adopt Place the dried residue on the top coarsest sieve and cover
one of the following procedures. with a fitting lid. Either by hand or using €he mechanical
(a) Subdivide the test portion into wo or more sub- sieve shaker (5.51,shake the sieves for a sufficient time to
portions. Determine the particle size distribution for separate the t e s t sample into the size fractions determinéd
each portion and combine the results for the purpose of by the sieve apertures used.
reporting. NOTE. Experience has shown that the preliminary separation
(b) Separate the test portion on an appropriate sieve, (7.2.1) does not necessarily remove all the particles smaller than
75 pm because o f capillary action of water on particle surfaces,
e.g. 20 mm or 5 mm. Weigh the retained and passing I t i s therefore necessary to incorporate a 75 ym test sieve in the
fractions to determine the proportion of each present, series of test sieves used to sieve the dried residue,
Determine the particle size distributiqn of each fraction
7.2.2.2 When the mechanical sieve shaker is used, after
separately, reducing where necessary by quartering or by
sieving, check that separation is complete by briefly hand
means of a sample divider (5.1) as described in clause 6
sieving. When sieving is done by hand alone start with the
of BS 812 : Part 102 : 1984. Calculate the particle size
coarsest sieve and shake each sieve separately over a clean
distribution of the original sample by combining the
results for each fraction in the proportions present. tray or receiver until not more than a trace passes, but in
any case for a period of not less than 2 min. Do the
7,I.Z When special procedures for fillers are required to shaking with a varied motion, backwards and forwards,
measure the amount finer than 75 pm, carry these out left to right, çircular, clockwise and anti-clockwise, and
either in accordance with 7.2 of BS 812 : Part 1 : 1975 with frequent jarring so that the material is kept moving
or BS 812 : Part 104*. over the sieve surface in frequently changing directions.
7.2 Washing and sieving method Do not force materials through the sieve by hand pressure
7.2.1 Preliminary separation but placing of particles is permitted. Break lumps of
agglomerated material which consist of particles
7.2.1 .I Wet both sides of a 75 pm test sieve (5.41, reserved
representative o f the bulk by gentIe pressure with the
for use in this t e s t only, and fit a nesting guard sieve (e.g.
fingers against the side of the sieve.
1 .I8 mm) on top, Mount the sieves in such a way that the
suspension passing the t e s t sieve can be run to waste or, 7.2.2.3 Record any extraneous material not representative
when required, collected in a suitable vessel. of the bulk that will not readily break down into individual
particles, such as clay lumps, and remove from the sieve for
separate weighing.

*At the time of publication, BS 812 : Part 104 is in preparation. When published, it will supersede 7.2 of BS 812 : Part 1 :1975.
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7.2.2.4 Do not apply pressure to the surface of the sieve to Calculate the mass passing each sieve as a cumulative
force particles through the mesh. Light brushing with a percentage of the total sample mass.
soft brush on the underside of the sieve may be used to
clear sieve openings. Light brushing with a fine camel-hair
brush may be used on the 150 pm and 75 pm sieves to 9 Precision
prevent agglomeration of the powder and blinding of the
apertures, Do not use stiff or worn-down brushes for this
Estimates of the repeatability and reproducibility of sieve-- __
analysis using the methods described in this Sectionlof BS 812.
purpose. are given in table 4 for a limited range of materials.
7.2.2.5 In order to prevent blinding of the sieve apertures NOTE 1, Reference should be made to BS 812 : Part 101 for
by overloading, ensure that the mass of aggregate retained guidance on assessing the precision of the methods given in this
on the sieve a t completion of the operation does not exceed standard.
the value for that sieve shown in table 3. NOTE 2. There is insufficient data available to permit the inclusion
NOTE 1. Some sample masses shown in table 1 will thus require of values for V, (variance arising from sampling errors) in table 4.
additional operations on some sieves, as described in 7.1. When data i s available it will be incorporated by amendment. Some
values of V , for a single experiment are given in Supplementary
NOTE 2. In some cases it may be possible to reduce sufficientty the
load on a sieve by incorporating an intermediate sieve into the test
series.
Report 831 published by the Transport and Road Research
Laboratory. e
7.2.2.6 Weigh the material retained on each sieve, together
with any material cleaned from the mesh, on completion of 10 Test report
sieving on that sieve.
The report shall affirm that the particle size distribution -_-_
NOTE. Samples containing dust should be sieved into a receiver
to prevent loss.
7.2.2.7 Add the aggregate passing the sieve to the next
sieve in the series before commencing the operation on that
--;-
was determined in accordance with this Sectioni of BS 812 and
whether or not a certificate of sampling is available.
If available, a copy of the certificate of sampling shall be
A
provided. The test report shall include the following
sieve. additional information:
7.3 Dry sieving method (a) sample identification;
Use the procedure described in 7.2.2. (b) either the cumulative percentage of the mass of the
total sample passing each of the sieves, to the nearest
whole number; or the percentage of the mass of the
8 Calculationand expression of results total sample passing one sieve and retained on the next
smaller sieve, to the nearest whole number;
Calculate the mass retained on each sieve as a percentage of NOTE. A specimen chart which may be used for illustrating the
the original dry mass (Ml 1, For the mass of material passing results graphically i s shown in figure 3.
the finest sieve, add that passing during washing (Ml - M t )
(c) the method used by reference to either 7.2 or 7.3 of
to that found during the dry sieving.
this Section2 BC 81 2;

Table 3. Maximum mass to be retained a t the completion of sieving

~

BS test sieve Maximum mass ES test sieve Maximum mass

nominal nominal
aperture size 450 mm 300 mm aperture size 300 mm 200 mm
diameter diameter diameter diameter
sieves sieves sieves sieves

mm kg kg mm lJm 9 g
50.0 14 5 5.00 750 350
37.5 10 4 3.35 550 250
2.36 450 200
28.0 8 3 1.70 375 150
20.0 6 2.5 1.18 300 125
14.0 4 2
10.0 3 1.5 850 260 115
600 225 1 O0
425 180 80
6.30 2 1 300 150 65
5.00 1.5 0.75 21 2 130 60
3.35 '1 0.55 150 110 . 50
75 75 30
- - PP

,-/-

4
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BS 812 : Section 103.1 : 1985. .

(b

(d) whether or not lumps of material not representative together with the total amount present expressed as an
of the bulk, such as clay lumps, were found to be overall percentage by mass of the total sample.
present and the sieve sizes on which they were retained,

Table 4. Precision data for determination of particle site distribution

~ _ _ _ ~ _ _ _

I
~

Description of All values as c i u l e t i v e percentage passing stated sieve Deteils of precision experiment
material usxi Number of
-
Sieve Mean R Date
size value laboratories

0.38 0.35 17 1982

0.81 0.35 17 1982

-15

I
Type 2 granular 20 mm 90 9

3
sub-base 10 mm 75 12
1) 5 mm 65 11 -
9 1983
600 pm 35 7
150 pm 15 4
75 pm 10 - 3

20 mm crushed rock 600 pm

150 pm
75 pm
6.6
3.6
2.6
- 1.6 1.6
1.o
1.I
8 I- 1983

14 mm single sized 14 mm 90 5.6

basalt or sandstone 10 mm 25 - 0.2 8.5
1982
2.36 mm 1.o 1.1
75 pm 0.75 1.o

90 - 1:4
57 - I.€ 4.8 -
11 1981
150 pm 19 - 1.E 6.6
5.5 - 1.5
I

100 100
90 90
.-? 80 80
VI

a
70 70
& 60 60
m
2
<u
50 50
U
ki
a
40 40
9 30 30
:20
7
20
E
u 10 10
O O N O V I O O Ln O 0 o 0 ~ 0o VI
0 o0 BO0 0 0
L n
b VI
v M E 3 O
a V
43
I4
Z g
O N%' 2 o'?
Ln\D
0 9
N N MVIaP-
\ r I L
Y
I

IJm mm

7
7on ERC Specs and Standards
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Nominal a p e r t u r e size of test sieve
Figure 1. Chart for recording sieve analysis results

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812 : Section 103.1 : 1985

_ ~

Appendices

Appendix A. Preparation and cleaning of Appendix B. Checking of test sieves

test sieves Test sieves may be checked against certified master sieves,
Before and after each use the sieving medium and the frame reserved for that purpose, a t regular intervals. This can be
achieved by checking the number of sieves used during
should be cleaned and inspected and degreased if necessary,
The cleaning of the sieve should be carried out with great that month. Checking should be in accordance with E.3 of
care so that the sieving medium is not damaged.
BS 410 : 1976 using spherical particles, such as glass beads.
The charge on the sieve should be the maximum allowed by
A useful method for the removal of entrapped material, BS 1796 and the checking material used for each sieve
particularly from finer apertures, is immersion in a bath of should be chosen so that between 40 % and 60 X passes the
water agitated by an ultrasonic transducer. sieve.
The difference between the percentage material passing the
master sieve and the working sieve should not exceed 2 %.

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 Publications referred to
BS 410 Specification for t e s t sieves
BS 812 Testing aggregates
Part 101 Guide to sampling and testing aggregeteo
Part 102 Methods for sampling
Part 104' Method for determination of the nature and content of material finer than 75 pm
BS 1796 Method for test sieving
BS 3681 Methods for the sampling and testing of lightweight aggregates for concrete
Transport and Road Research Laboratory Supplementaryreport 8 3 1

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BS 812 : Part 103 : 1985

This British Standard, having been prepared under the direction of Milton Keynes MK14 6LE. The number for telephone enquiries is
the Cement, Gypsum, Aggregates and Quarry Products Standards 0908 320033 and for telex 825777.
Commlttee, was publlshed under the authority of the Board of BSI Contract requirements
and comes into effect on 30August 1985. A British Standard does not purport t o include e l l the necessary
0 British Standards institution, 1985 provisions of a contract. Users of British Standards ere responsible
for their correct application.
ISBN O 580 14474 7
Revision of British Standards
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Committee reference CABIP Draft for comment 84/10136 DC
Publications Manager, British Standards institution, Linford Wood,

Committees responsible for this British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Department of the Environment (Building Research Establishment)
Cement Gypsum Aggregates and Quarry Products Standards Department of the Environment (Property Services Agency)
Committee (CAB/-) to Technical Committee CAB/P, upon which Department of the Environment (Transport and Road Research
the followlng bodies were represented: Laboratory)
Aggregate Concrete Block Association Department of Transport (Highways)
Association of Consulting Engineers Electricity Supply Industry in England and Wales
Association of Consulting Scientists Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors
Association of Lightweight Aggregate Manufacturers Greater London Council
Brick Development Association Institute of Concrete Technology
. British Aggregate Construction Materials Industries Institution of Civil Engineers
British Ceramic Research Association Institution of Highways and Transportation
British Civil Engineering Test Equipment Manufacturers' Institution of Public Health Engineers
Association Institution of Structural Engineers
British Precast Concrete Federation Ltd. Institution of Water Engineers and Scientists
British Ready Mixed Concrete Association . Mortar Producers Association Ltd.
Calcium Silicate Brick Association Limited National Federation of Terrazzo (Mosaic Specialists)
Cement and Concrete Assoclation Natural Environment Research Council (Institute of Geological
Cement Makers' Federation Science)
Chartered institute of Building Royal Institute of British Architects
Concrete Society Sand and Gravel Association Limited
County Surveyor's Society Society of Chemical Industry

00
Amendments issued since publication d

Amd. No. Date of issue Text affected

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8508 -5-3k-B

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AMD 6003
Amendment No. 1
published and effective from 30 June 1989
to BS 812 : Part 103 : 1985
Testing aggregates
Part 103. Methods for determination of particle
size distribution

Revised text

A M D 6003 Title
June 1989
Below the title 'Part 103. Methods for determination of particle size distribution' insert the
following.
'Section 103.1 Sieve tests'

A M D 6003 Front cover

June 1989
Below the French t i t l e insert the following.
'Section 103.1 Essais 2 tamis'

A M D 6003 Foreword
June 1989
In line 1 delete 'This Part' and substitute 'This Section'.

A M D 6003 Clause 1 Scope

June 1989
In line 1 delete 'This Part' and substitute 'This Section'.

A M D 6003 Clause 2 Definitions

June 1989
In line 1 delete 'this Part' and substitute 'this Section',

A M D 6003 Clause 9 Precision

June 1989
In line 2 delete 'this Part' and substitute 'this Section',

A M D 6003 Clause 1O Test report

June 1989
In paragraph 1, line 2 delete 'this Part' and substitute 'this Section'.
In item (c), line 2 delete 'this Part' and substitute 'this Section'.

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