BS EN 933-2-2020 PDF

Full title and description

BS EN 933-2:2020 — Tests for geometrical properties of aggregates — Part 2: Determination of particle size distribution — Test sieves, nominal size of apertures. This British adoption of the EN text specifies the nominal aperture sizes and basic requirements for laboratory test sieves used in grading (particle size distribution) determinations for aggregates.

Abstract

The standard fixes the nominal sizes of openings for test sieves used in aggregate grading and describes the form of apertures (metal wire cloth for fine sizes and perforated metal plate for coarser sizes). It aligns nominal sizes with the R20 series and references ISO technical requirements for the two main sieve types (ISO 3310-1 for wire cloth and ISO 3310-2 for perforated plate). EN 933-2:2020 supersedes earlier editions and provides the harmonised nominal aperture table used across laboratories and industry.

General information

• Status: Current (EN/BS implementation, in force).
• Publication date: 08 July 2020.
• Publisher: British Standards Institution (BSI) — identical national implementation of EN 933-2:2020.
• ICS / categories: 91.100.15 (Mineral materials and products).
• Edition / version: 2020 (BS EN 933-2:2020).
• Number of pages: 10 pages (compact technical specification).

(Publication and bibliographic details based on the BSI/EN publication record.)

Scope

Applies to laboratory test sieves used to determine the particle size distribution of aggregates. The standard specifies permitted nominal aperture sizes (from coarse perforated-plate sizes down to fine wire-cloth sizes), the designation of sieve sizes, and the preferred series (R20 nominal sizes). It indicates which types of sieves and manufacturing tolerances are associated with given size ranges (perforated metal plate for apertures ≥ 4 mm; metal wire cloth for apertures < 4 mm) and provides a single harmonised table of nominal sizes for routine use.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and designation of nominal sieve aperture sizes (R20 series adopted).
• Distinction between sieve types: perforated metal plate (≥ 4 mm) and metal wire cloth (< 4 mm) with references to ISO 3310 requirements.
• Table of permitted nominal sizes (principal and intermediate sizes) covering approximately 125 mm down to 0.063 mm.
• Manufacturing and tolerance implications for accurate, repeatable sieving (noting tighter tolerances for perforated plate sieves at larger sizes).
• Conformance and traceability expectations to ensure comparable grading results across laboratories and suppliers.

These are the principal technical points users consult the standard for when specifying, purchasing or calibrating sieves for aggregate testing.

Typical use and users

Used by materials testing laboratories, construction and civil engineering contractors, aggregate producers and quarries, quality-control/acceptance teams for concrete and asphalt production, manufacturers/suppliers of test sieves, and standards/audit organisations. Typical tasks include selecting correct sieve sizes for grading schedules, specifying sieve manufacture or purchase, and ensuring harmonised grading procedures for compliance testing and mix design.

Related standards

Directly related to other parts of the EN 933 series (for example EN 933-1 — sieving method; EN 933-3, -4, -5 for shape and other geometric properties) and to the EN/ISO sieve technical specifications ISO 3310-1 and ISO 3310-2. It also aligns with nominal size series from ISO 565. Related aggregate and general-testing standards (EN 932 series, EN 1097 series) are commonly used alongside EN 933-2 in laboratory and specification work.

Keywords

Test sieves, sieve aperture, nominal size, particle size distribution, grading, aggregates, EN 933, BS EN 933-2, ISO 3310, R20 series, perforated metal plate, wire cloth.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: BS EN 933-2:2020 is the British implementation of the European standard EN 933-2 (2020) that specifies nominal aperture sizes and basic requirements for laboratory test sieves used in determining particle size distribution of aggregates.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the nominal sizes of openings for test sieves (the R20 preferred series), the distinction between perforated plate and wire-cloth sieves by size range, and harmonised designation of sieve sizes used in aggregate grading. It does not describe sieving technique (see EN 933-1 for sieving method).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials testing laboratories, aggregate producers, construction QA/QC staff, sieve manufacturers and procurement/specification authors who need to ensure consistent grading and traceable sieve sizes.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — published 08 July 2020 and designated BS EN 933-2:2020 in the UK; it superseded the earlier 1996 edition. Users relying on the previous (1996) edition should update references and purchased sieves to comply with the 2020 nominal sizes where applicable.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — EN 933 is a multipart series covering geometrical properties of aggregates (EN 933-1 through EN 933-7 in different parts). EN 933-2 specifically addresses sieve aperture sizes; related parts cover sieving methods, shape indexes and other geometrical tests.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Test sieves; nominal aperture size; particle size distribution; aggregate grading; EN 933-2; ISO 3310; R20 series; perforated plate; wire cloth.