Lecture Notes: Sieve Analysis and Excel Graphing

Overview

• Review of question seven on the homework
• Importance for labs, tests, etc.

Steps for Sieve Analysis

1. Given Information:
   • Sieve size
   • Mass retained
2. Tasks:
   • Calculate percent retained cumulative
   • Calculate percent passing
   • Plot the gradation curve using Excel

Data Preparation

• Use Excel for data tables and plotting

Calculations

Weight Retained

• Use Excel formula =SUM to calculate total weight including the pan.
• Total assumption: No loss of material.

Percent Retained

• Formula in Excel: Value for sieve size / Total weight
• Use dollar signs in Excel to keep column and row static for totals.

Cumulative Percent Retained

• Add up the percentages cumulatively.
• Example:
  • At number 8 sieve: Cumulative = 10% + 14% = 25%
  • At number 50 sieve: Almost 88% of sample retained.

Percent Passing

• Formula: 100% - Percent retained
• Use dollar signs for fixed values in Excel.

Excel Chart Setup

1. Graphing:
   • Select percent passing and sieve size columns while holding control.
   • Insert a scatter plot in Excel.
2. Chart Customization:
   • Add title: "Percent Passing vs Grain Size"
   • Adjust chart elements:
     • Use logarithmic scale and reverse order for better visualization.
     • Label axes appropriately.
   • Customize gridlines and other chart aspects.

Additional Resources

• Video tutorials available for further details on the finance module and other calculations.

Conclusion

• The information provided should aid in setting up and plotting sieve analysis data.
• Utilize additional videos for comprehensive understanding.