ISO 20290-5:2023

Aggregates for concrete - Test methods for mechanical and physical properties - Part 5: Determination of particle size distribution by sieving method

This document describes the reference washing and dry sieving method used for testing and in case of dispute, for determination of the particle size distribution of aggregates. Other methods can be used provided that an appropriate working relationship with the reference method has been established. It applies to all aggregates, including lightweight aggregates, up to 90 mm nominal size, but excluding filler. NOTE: Dry sieving without washing can be used for aggregates free from particles which cause agglomeration.

Granulats pour béton — Méthodes d'essai relatives aux propriétés mécaniques et physiques — Partie 5: Détermination de la granularité par tamisage

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 02-Feb-2023
• ICS: 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 71/SC 1 - Test methods for concrete
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 71/SC 1/WG 4 - Test methods for aggregates
• Current Stage: 6060 - International Standard published
• Start Date: 03-Feb-2023
• Due Date: 02-Dec-2022
• Completion Date: 03-Feb-2023

Overview

ISO 20290-5:2023 - "Aggregates for concrete - Test methods for mechanical and physical properties - Part 5: Determination of particle size distribution by sieving method" defines a reference washing and dry sieving method for determining the particle size distribution (PSD) of aggregates. It applies to all aggregates (including lightweight aggregates) up to 90 mm nominal size, excluding filler. The document sets out the principle, apparatus, sample preparation, washing and sieving procedures, calculation, validation and reporting requirements used for testing and dispute resolution.

Key Topics and Technical Requirements

• Test methods: Two permissible approaches - washing followed by dry sieving, or direct dry sieving where washing would cause agglomeration or alter lightweight aggregate properties.
• Critical sieve size: A 0.063 mm test sieve must be included in the series; washing continues until the water passing this sieve is clear.
• Apparatus and tolerances: Test sieves shall conform to ISO 3310‑1 / ISO 3310‑2 and ISO 565. Use ventilated oven (100 °C to 115 °C) for drying and balances accurate to ±0.1% of the test portion mass.
• Sample preparation: Samples must be reduced by quartering or a sample divider to meet minimum test portion masses (Table 1). Dry test portions to constant mass before analysis.
• Sieving procedure: Arrange sieves from largest to smallest, avoid overloading (area/aperture guidance provided), and continue sieving until retained masses change by no more than 1.0% by mass.
• Calculations & validation: Report individual and cumulative percentages passing each sieve. For the 0.063 mm fraction, a specific formula is given to calculate fines. Sum of retained masses and pan material must be within 1% of the original mass (otherwise repeat the test).
• Reporting: Test reports must reference ISO 20290‑5:2023 and include sample ID, lab ID, method used (washing/dry sieving), cumulative percentages (with specified precision), deviations and any unusual observations.

Applications and Who Uses It

ISO 20290-5:2023 is used by:

• Materials testing laboratories performing PSD analysis for aggregates.
• Concrete producers and quality control teams verifying aggregate grading for mix design and compliance.
• Construction contractors and civil engineers ensuring specified aggregate gradation in structural and pavement works.
• Regulatory bodies and dispute resolution panels relying on the reference method for formal comparisons.

Practical uses include mix proportioning, verifying compliance with specifications, quality assurance of incoming aggregates, and providing authoritative test data in contractual disputes.

Related Standards

• ISO 3310‑1, ISO 3310‑2 - Test sieves technical requirements
• ISO 565 - Nominal sizes of sieve openings
• Other parts of the ISO 20290 series addressing different aggregate test methods

Keywords: ISO 20290-5:2023, particle size distribution, sieving method, aggregates for concrete, test sieves, washing and dry sieving, 0.063 mm sieve, aggregate testing, quality control.

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 20290-5
First edition
2023-02
Aggregates for concrete — Test
methods for mechanical and physical
properties —
Part 5:
Determination of particle size
distribution by sieving method
Granulats pour béton — Méthodes d'essai relatives aux propriétés
mécaniques et physiques —
Partie 5: Détermination de la granularité par tamisage
Reference number
© ISO 2023
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
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Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 2
5 Apparatus . 2
6 Preparation of test portions . 2
7 Procedure .3
7.1 Washing . 3
7.2 Sieving . 4
7.3 Weighing . 4
8 Calculation and expression of results . 5
8.1 Calculations . 5
8.2 Validating the results . . . 5
9 Test report . 5
9.1 Required data . 5
9.2 Optional data . 6
Annex A (normative) Test method for aggregates unsuitable for oven-drying .7
iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to
the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 71, Concrete, reinforced concrete and pre-
stressed concrete, Subcommittee SC 1, Test methods for concrete.
A list of all parts in the ISO 20290 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 20290-5:2023(E)
Aggregates for concrete — Test methods for mechanical
and physical properties —
Part 5:
Determination of particle size distribution by sieving
method
1 Scope
This document describes the reference washing and dry sieving method used for testing and in case of
dispute, for determination of the particle size distribution of aggregates. Other methods can be used
provided that an appropriate working relationship with the reference method has been established.
It applies to all aggregates, including lightweight aggregates, up to 90 mm nominal size, but excluding
filler.
NOTE Dry sieving without washing can be used for aggregates free from particles which cause agglomeration.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 565, Test sieves — Metal wire cloth, perforated metal plate and electroformed sheet — Nominal sizes
of openings
ISO 3310-1, Test sieves — Technical requirements and testing — Part 1: Test sieves of metal wire cloth
ISO 3310-2, Test sieves — Technical requirements and testing — Part 2: Test sieves of perforated metal
plate
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
aggregate
granular material used in construction which can be natural or manufactured
3.2
test portion
sample used as a whole in a single test
3.3
constant mass
mass determined by successive weighing’s performed at least 1 h apart and not differing by more than
0,1 %
Note 1 to entry: In many cases, constant mass can be achieved after a test portion has been dried for a pre-
determined period in a specified oven (see Clause 6) at 100 °C to 115 °C. Test laboratories may determine the time
required to achieve constant mass for specific types and sizes of sample dependent upon the drying capacity of
the oven used.
4 Principle
The test consists of dividing and separating a material into several particle size classifications of
decreasing sizes by means of a se
...