Purpose of Aggregate Sieve Analysis

Rule: sieve analysis shakes an aggregate sample through a stack of sieves with smaller and smaller openings and weighs what each sieve retains. The percent passing each size is the particle-size distribution, called the gradation. How to read the figure: the No. 4 sieve at the top has the largest openings and keeps the coarsest stones; each lower sieve keeps finer particles; the pan collects what passes the No. 200 sieve. Why the other choices are wrong: strength needs a load test, moisture content needs oven drying, and specific heat is a thermal property no sieve can measure.