Sieve Analysis (Fine Aggregate)

A dried sand sample is shaken through a nested stack of standard sieves (4.75 mm down to 150 microns) and the retained mass on each sieve is recorded. The cumulative percentage passing each sieve is plotted as a grading curve and checked against the grading zones (I-IV) in IS 383.

The fineness modulus — a single number derived from the cumulative retained percentages — gives a quick indication of how coarse or fine the sand is, and is used directly in concrete mix proportioning.