What type of sieve is commonly used to determine the gradation of coarse aggregates?

The correct choice involves the use of sieves that have openings larger than 1.18 mm (no. 16). In the context of determining the gradation of coarse aggregates, it is essential to use sieves that can effectively separate and classify larger particles. Sieves with openings larger than 1.18 mm are specifically designed to capture the coarser fractions of aggregate materials, which is crucial for ensuring appropriate grading in construction projects.

Gradation is a vital parameter in concrete and asphalt mix design because it affects the packing of the aggregate, the void spaces within the mix, and ultimately the performance of the materials used. Coarse aggregates are typically defined as those that are retained on a sieve with an opening size larger than 4.75 mm, which aligns with the need to use larger sieves to obtain meaningful gradation data.

Using a sieve with openings smaller than 0.5 mm would not be suitable for coarse aggregates, as these sieves are intended for finer materials. Similarly, a sieve with fixed dimensions of 10 mm might not consistently allow for accurate gradation assessment across various aggregate sizes, and a sieve with openings larger than 4.75 mm is too broad without specifying an upper limit, as it could include a