Practice Test Geeks(ATT) ACI Aggregate Testing Technician Practice Test
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Sieve Analysis & Gradation Flashcards

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  1. The maximum allowable difference in fineness modulus between two fine aggregate samples from the same source, per ACI 301, that would require mix redesign consideration is:

    Answer: 0.30

    ACI 301 recommends review if the fineness modulus varies by more than 0.20 from the value used in mix design, but a variation of 0.30 is generally the threshold triggering mix redesign.

  2. Which ASTM standard governs the determination of the amount of material finer than the No. 200 (75-μm) sieve by washing?

    Answer: ASTM C117

    ASTM C117 covers the test method for material finer than 75 μm (No. 200) in mineral aggregates by washing, complementing the dry sieve analysis of ASTM C136.

  3. An aggregate is described as 'uniformly graded' or 'single-sized.' This means it will produce concrete with:

    Answer: Higher void content requiring more paste to fill

    Uniformly graded aggregate has particles of similar size, resulting in high void content that requires more cement paste to fill, increasing cost and potentially increasing shrinkage.

  4. When performing a sieve analysis, material is found between two nested sieves after shaking. The technician should:

    Answer: Add it to the finer sieve's retained mass

    Material found between sieve frames (pan leakage or inter-sieve particles) is added to the next finer sieve, as it passed the coarser sieve but did not reach the finer sieve.

  5. The 'percent passing' and 'percent retained' for any given sieve should always:

    Answer: Sum to 100% for that sieve

    For any sieve, percent passing + percent retained = 100%, since all material either passes or is retained on each sieve.

  6. ASTM C33 limits the amount of material passing the No. 200 sieve in fine aggregate used in concrete subject to abrasion to a maximum of:

    Answer: 3.0%

    ASTM C33 limits material finer than 75 μm (No. 200) to 3.0% for fine aggregate in concrete subject to abrasion, to protect surface durability.

  7. A technician notices that the total mass of all sieve fractions plus the pan is 2% less than the original sample mass. Per ASTM C136, this result is:

    Answer: Unacceptable; results should be discarded and the test repeated

    ASTM C136 requires that the total mass of all sieve fractions after sieving agree with the original mass to within 0.3%; a 2% discrepancy requires the test to be repeated.