Accurate aggregate testing is the foundation of quality concrete and asphalt. The particle-size distribution of fine and coarse aggregates directly affects strength, durability, and performance of construction materials. To ensure consistency and compliance, laboratories across the world rely on ASTM C136 / C136M – Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates.
For Construction Materials Testing (CMT) laboratories, this test is a daily task—used to verify aggregate gradation for concrete mix design, asphalt production, and base material evaluation.
But traditional sieve analysis can be tedious: manual weighing, cumulative calculations, and handwritten reports create inefficiencies and introduce room for error.
That’s where Aldoa steps in. With a pre-built ASTM C136 digital form, CMT labs can capture data in the field or lab, automatically calculate retained weights and percentages, and generate ASTM-compliant reports within minutes.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about ASTM C136, from the technical procedure to how Aldoa automates every step of the process.
ASTM C136 / C136M is the standard test method used to determine the particle size distribution (gradation) of aggregates. The test identifies the proportions of different particle sizes within a sample of fine or coarse aggregate.
In simpler terms, it measures how much of your material is made up of large stones, medium gravel, sand, and fine dust.
This test is critical for:
Concrete and asphalt mix design: ensuring proper workability and strength
Base and sub-base construction: optimizing compaction and drainage
Quality control: maintaining uniformity across production batches
The results of ASTM C136 are typically compared against ASTM C33 (Standard Specification for Concrete Aggregates) or local DOT specifications to verify compliance.
Aggregate gradation influences nearly every property of construction materials:
Concrete strength and durability depend on consistent particle distribution.
Asphalt performance relies on a balance between coarse and fine materials for stability.
Drainage and permeability are affected by the percentage of fine particles.
By understanding how aggregates are distributed, CMT labs can validate supplier quality, troubleshoot mix issues, and ensure every project meets design standards.
To perform ASTM C136, laboratories need:
Aggregate sample (representative and oven-dried)
Balance or scale accurate to 0.1 g or 0.1% of sample mass
Set of standard sieves with openings ranging from several inches to No. 200 (75 μm)
Mechanical sieve shaker (optional but recommended for consistency)
Pan and cover
Drying oven (for pre- and post-test drying)
For coarse aggregates, sieve sizes may include 5 in., 3½ in., 2 in., 1 in., ¾ in., ½ in., and ⅜ in.
For fine aggregates, sizes commonly range from No. 4 through No. 200.
The sieve analysis process separates aggregate particles by size, using a series of stacked sieves with progressively smaller openings.
Dry the sample in an oven at 110 ± 5°C until it reaches constant weight.
Record the total dry mass (Mₜ).
Choose sieve sizes appropriate for the material type (coarse or fine).
Stack sieves from largest opening at the top to smallest at the bottom.
Place a pan under the last sieve to collect material passing through all openings.
Place the dried sample on the top sieve.
Secure the stack in a mechanical shaker and shake for a designated time (commonly 5–10 minutes) to achieve complete separation.
Carefully remove each sieve and weigh the material retained.
Record the mass retained on each sieve (Mᵢ).
Cumulative weight retained: Sum of weights retained on each sieve and all larger sieves above it.
Percent retained: (Mᵢ / Mₜ) × 100
Percent passing: 100 – cumulative percent retained
These values are typically displayed in a table format:
| Sieve Size | Weight Retained (g) | % Retained | Cumulative % Retained | % Passing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ¾ in. | 50 | 5 | 5 | 95 |
| ½ in. | 120 | 12 | 17 | 83 |
| ⅜ in. | 180 | 18 | 35 | 65 |
| No. 4 | 220 | 22 | 57 | 43 |
| No. 8 | 260 | 26 | 83 | 17 |
| Pan | 170 | 17 | 100 | 0 |
(Values shown for illustration only.)
The final report includes:
Identification of the sample
Sieve sizes used
Individual and cumulative weights retained
Percentage retained and passing
Graphical representation (gradation curve)
The gradation curve plotted from the data helps visualize particle-size distribution.
A well-graded aggregate has a smooth curve with a wide range of particle sizes, leading to dense, stable mixes.
A poorly graded or uniform aggregate may cause segregation, higher voids, or reduced strength.
CMT labs compare these results to specified limits (often ASTM C33 or state DOT requirements) to ensure compliance.
Even small procedural errors can skew results. Common issues include:
| Common Error | Impact | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Incomplete drying | Overestimation of retained weight | Dry to constant mass |
| Overloading sieves | Inconsistent separation | Use multiple sieve stacks for large samples |
| Incorrect sieve stacking | Invalid gradation | Verify order before testing |
| Inadequate shaking time | Non-representative distribution | Use consistent mechanical shaking duration |
| Residue loss during transfer | Skews percentages | Brush and transfer material carefully |
Maintaining proper calibration and cleanliness of sieves is also essential for repeatable results.
Aldoa transforms the traditional sieve analysis workflow—removing the need for manual calculations, spreadsheets, or handwritten reports.
| Process Step | Manual Testing Workflow | Aldoa Workflow |
|---|---|---|
| Data Entry | Recorded by hand or spreadsheet | Enter directly into pre-built ASTM C136 form |
| Cumulative Calculations | Performed manually or via Excel formulas | Auto-calculated instantly |
| Error Checking | Requires double verification | Automated data validation |
| Data Sync | Field and lab data kept separate | Instantly synced across teams |
| Report Generation | Manual formatting in Word/PDF | One-click ASTM-compliant report |
| Turnaround Time | Hours to compile and verify | Minutes from start to report |
With Aldoa, CMT labs can reduce reporting time by more than 80%, improve accuracy, and ensure data is immediately available across projects.
Aldoa’s form includes all standard sieve sizes and calculation fields—so technicians simply input the retained weight for each sieve. The platform automatically computes cumulative weights, percentages retained, and percentages passing.
Once data is collected, Aldoa instantly generates ASTM C136 reports formatted for project documentation or client submission—complete with tables, summaries, and gradation visuals.
Data syncs automatically from field to lab and office. Whether you’re weighing samples or approving results, everyone sees the same information in real time.
Aldoa’s form prevents calculation errors, missing entries, and inconsistent reporting. Each test is time-stamped and stored securely for future reference or audit.
CMT labs often perform ASTM C136 alongside other aggregate or concrete tests (e.g., ASTM C127 – Specific Gravity, ASTM C128 – Absorption of Fine Aggregate). Aldoa allows users to link these results together for full mix-design traceability.
While ASTM C136 applies to both geotechnical and materials testing workflows, it’s most commonly performed by Construction Materials Testing (CMT) laboratories.
CMT labs use it to:
Validate aggregate sources for concrete and asphalt plants
Meet project quality control and assurance specifications
Monitor daily material consistency for production batches
Geotechnical engineers occasionally perform sieve analysis for site characterization, particularly when evaluating drainage materials or aggregate bases—but they more often rely on ASTM D6913 or D422 for soil particle-size distribution.
Faster turnaround: Complete tests and reports in minutes
Improved accuracy: Built-in formulas and validations eliminate calculation errors
Data consistency: Standardized templates ensure every report meets ASTM and DOT expectations
Cloud access: Securely access and share reports anytime, anywhere
Scalability: Manage multiple projects and test types from one unified platform
By digitizing ASTM C136 testing, labs can increase productivity, improve client satisfaction, and focus on analysis rather than admin work.
ASTM C136 determines the particle-size distribution of aggregates used in concrete, asphalt, and base materials. It ensures the mix contains the right balance of fine and coarse particles for strength and durability.
ASTM C136 is designed for aggregates (gravel, crushed stone, sand), while ASTM D6913 is used for soils in geotechnical testing.
You’ll need a balance, standard sieves, sieve shaker, drying oven, and a pan and cover for collection.
Software like Aldoa automates calculations, syncs field and lab data, and generates ready-to-send ASTM-compliant reports—saving labs hours of manual work.
Yes. Aggregate gradation determined by ASTM C136 is a fundamental part of concrete and asphalt mix design validation.
The ASTM C136 sieve analysis remains one of the most essential tests in construction materials quality control. It provides critical data about aggregate gradation—ensuring that concrete, asphalt, and base materials perform as designed.
For CMT laboratories, performing the test accurately and efficiently is key. Aldoa’s ASTM C136 form brings automation, accuracy, and speed to the entire process—from weighing samples to final reporting.
With Aldoa, your lab can spend less time crunching numbers and more time ensuring quality, compliance, and project success.