Sieve Sizes: Why Is Particle Size Important?

Concrete is one of the most important manufactured materials worldwide. We depend on it for roads, paths, bridges, and tunnels. It supports our buildings, forms our structures, and keeps us safe. But how do we ensure that every batch is as strong and durable as the last?

The answer: Particle size analysis.

Particle size analysis plays a crucial role in determining the quality and performance of various materials. It lets us alter workability, strength, and durability, enabling us to ensure that every concrete mix is fit for its intended purpose.

In this blog, we'll explore what particle size is, why it's important, and how we can test for it. We'll also reveal where you can find the best particle size analysis equipment for your own material testing applications.

What does 'particle size' mean?

Particle size refers to the dimensions of individual particles in a material, such as their diameter and thickness.

Construction experts can assess the particle size of a granular material to understand its properties. Fine aggregates, like sand and fly ash, are defined as equal to or less than 4.75mm. Coarse aggregates, like gravel and crushed stone, are defined as anything greater than 4.75mm.

Every concrete structure we see around us contains a highly-specific proportion of particles of various sizes. Construction experts decide on particle size based on the type of concrete they want and how strong and durable they need the finished product to be.

For example, a concrete blend for a structure may require 20mm coarse aggregates and 4.5mm fine aggregates. By ensuring that each particle is the correct size, the builder can be confident that their concrete is exactly how they want it.

But why does particle size matter? Is it really that important? You bet it is! Let's explore why.

Why is particle size important?

Particle size matters - even more than you may think.

Altering the particle size of fine or coarse aggregates can greatly affect the final product, impacting strength, durability, and workability.

Larger coarse aggregates improve workability and make concrete more resistant to compressive strength tests. That said, blends with larger aggregates are typically weaker when placed under tensile stress.

In contrast, reducing the size of your fine or coarse aggregates increases the density of the mixture. This makes the concrete stronger but can also reduce workability, which could limit usability when making foundations or intricate molds.

To put into perspective why particle sizes are so important, let's imagine that a builder makes two batches of concrete for two precast beams. The concrete must be strong, stable, and resistant to compressive strength, as the beams will support a structure.

The builder uses the same ratio for each mixture but unknowingly adds 10mm coarse aggregates to their first batch and 20mm coarse aggregates to their second. This gives both beams different properties, as the beam with 10mm aggregates is less resistant to compressive strength than the beam with 20mm aggregates.

After creating their beams, the builder designs the structure. After some time, cracks appear in the 10mm aggregate beam. Eventually, it crumbles under the pressure of the roof and collapses.

While this is a simplified example, it shows how crucial particle size can be when creating complex forms. Even a slight change in size can greatly impact the properties of a material.

Now that we know why particle size is important, let's explore how we test for it.

What is particle size analysis?

Particle size analysis is the process of determining the size distribution of particles within a sample. By performing a particle size analysis, manufacturers can ensure that each component of their mixture is the correct size.

The standard process for performing particle size analysis is with test sieves. To perform the analysis, the tester takes a sample of a granular material before allowing it to fall through a series of sieves with progressively smaller mesh sizes. The tester can then weigh the materials left in each sieve to determine the sample's size distribution.

American Sieve Sizes: What are they?

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard specifies a series of mesh designations and aperture sizes (commonly known as opening sizes) used to assess the sizes of different granular materials, such as coarse aggregates and fine powders.

Mesh designations refer to the number of sieve openings per linear inch (25.4mm) in a test sieve, screen sieve, or sieve cloth. Opening sizes tell us how large each opening in the sieve is.

Mesh designations and aperture sizes are linked. A larger mesh designation shows that there are more holes per linear inch, meaning the aperture size of each hole is smaller.

Manufacturers use different mesh sizes for different purposes. For example, when analyzing coarse aggregates for a concrete blend, a manufacturer may use a sieve with a mesh designation of 16. This informs us that the sieve contains 16 holes per linear inch.

Referring to the sieve chart linked above, we can also see that a mesh number 16 sieve has an opening size of 1.18mm, meaning that particles smaller than 1.18mm will fall through the openings, and any larger particles will remain in the sieve.

Why do we use particle size analysis?

Using particle size analysis, a construction expert can assess the size of their aggregates to determine their suitability for a concrete mixture. They can also filter large and small chunks of aggregate using a standardized test sieve to ensure all aggregates are the correct size for the blend.

Particle size analysis is the easiest, simplest, most effective way to ensure that every component of a blend is fit for its intended purpose. The method's efficiency makes it an invaluable tool for construction experts, as well as those in the agricultural and pharmaceutical industries.

Where can I find equipment for particle size analysis?

CertifiedMTP is your one-stop shop for all your particle size analysis needs. We offer a wide range of aggregate sieves, wire-mesh sieves, and electroformed sieves. Our high-quality products make it faster and easier for you to get the results you need.

Aggregate sieving is a simple procedure, but it requires careful preparation and a range of high-quality equipment. A sieve shaker and sieve brush remove anomalies and ensure your results are accurate each and every time.

For reliable results, ensure you always buy standardized equipment. We stock various ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) test sieves, so you can be confident the product you're getting is top quality.

Can't find what you're looking for? Don't hesitate to reach out. We're always happy to answer your questions and offer our support. We're committed to helping you achieve top results in your next construction project.