Filter Design

Design aggregate gradation for optimal concrete performance per ASTM C33 / AASHTO M43 — Fine and coarse gradation curves, uniformity coefficient, and percentage passing each sieve

🌊
Aggregate Gradation Design
Select and optimize aggregate gradation for strength, workability, and durability. Input gradation requirements, check against standards, and generate continuous gradation curves.

🌊 Gradation Builder

📊 Gradation Parameters
%
—
🌊
Configure Gradation
Set gradation parameters above and click Generate Gradation to create optimized aggregate gradation curves.

📊 Gradation Analysis

📈 Analysis Tools
%
📊
Enter Analysis Parameters
Select analysis method and configure parameters, then click Analyze Gradation.

📋 Design Criteria

🌊 Gradation Requirements
ACI 211.1: Maximum size 1.5 in (38 mm) for most concretes. Fine aggregate: 100% passing 0.45 mm (No. 70 sieve). Cohesive aggregate: ≤ 15% passing 0.075 mm. Moisture content: control range ±1%.

AASHTO M43: Gradation limits defined by Table 1. Uniformity coefficient: < 5.0 (coarse), < 2.0 (fine). Curvature coefficient: 1-3 (balanced gradation). Gap grading allowed with caution.
💧 Water-Cement Ratio
Standard Mixes: w/c = 0.40-0.60 (strength 3000-6000 psi). High-strength: w/c ≤ 0.40 (6000-10000 psi). Low w/c: w/c ≤ 0.35 (10000+ psi). For sulfate resistance: w/c ≤ 0.45.
🔧 Mix Specifics
Aggregate Ratio: Fine aggregate % of total aggregate 35-60%. Minimum cement content 250-400 kg/m³ (varies by w/c). Air entrainment: 1-3% for freeze-thaw, 0.5-2% for general concretes.

Exposure Adjustments: Marine: air 4-7%, w/c ≤ 0.40. Freeze-thaw: air 5-8%, special airenterrainers. Sulfates: Type V cement, w/c ≤ 0.45.
🌡️ Environmental Factors
Temperature Effects: Hot weather (<30°C): use retarders, additional water. Cold weather (<10°C): accelerators, heated materials. Temperature differential ≤ 20°C for mass concrete.
📝 Implementation Notes
  • Run sieve analysis per ASTM C117 for both fine and coarse aggregates.
  • Always trial batch (ASTM C185) with admixtures before large-scale production.
  • Test per ASTM C138 (unit weight), C231 (air), C1064 (degrees of hydration) for high-performance mixes.
  • Verify gradation against maximum and minimum gradation curves per AASHTO M43 limits.

📚 Gradation Standards Reference

ASTM C33 / C33M
Standard Specification for Concrete Aggregates. Sieve analysis requirements, physical properties, gradation limits for fine and coarse aggregates, moisture and absorption.
AASHTO M43
Standard Specification for Aggregates for Hydraulic Concrete. Maximum and minimum gradation curves, uniformity coefficient, curvature coefficient, gradation acceptance limits.
ACI 211.1-15
Guide for Selecting Proportions. Chapter 6 details aggregate gradation selection for mix design. Rapid slump loss prevention, segregation control.
EN 206 / BS 8500
European concrete standard. XG (coarse) and XF (fine) gradation classes. EN 13043 for manufactured sand, EN 12620 for natural aggregates.
ECP 203 / ECP 204
Egyptian concrete production codes. Local gradation requirements based on available aggregate sources. Egyptian cement grades and corresponding limits.
NT BUILD 492
Nordic test for aggregate grading. Specific sieving procedures and calculation methods for uniformity and curvature coefficients used in Nordic countries.
← Back to Concrete Testing