ASTM C136/C136M-25 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM C136/C136M-25 — Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates. This standard defines the procedures for determining the particle size distribution (gradation) of fine and coarse aggregates by mechanical sieving, including instructions for combined grading of samples that contain both coarse and fine fractions.

Abstract

Provides a laboratory procedure to determine aggregate grading by sieving, used to assess compliance with specification grading requirements and to support production control and mixture design. The method notes limitations for material finer than the 75 µm (No. 200) sieve and directs users to Test Method C117 for washed determination of material finer than 75 µm; it also specifies that SI and inch‑pound units are to be treated independently.

General information

• Status: Active.
• Publication date: Last updated / active as of November 13, 2025.
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 91.100.30 (Concrete and concrete products).
• Edition / version: C136/C136M-25 (active).
• Number of pages: 5.

Scope

This test method covers determination of the particle size distribution of fine and coarse aggregates by sieving. It includes procedures for separate and combined grading of fractions, guidance on unit systems (SI and inch‑pound treated independently), and notes on limitations for very fine material (finer than 75 µm). The standard is applicable where sieve analysis is the accepted method for grading verification and quality control.

Key topics and requirements

• Identification of required apparatus: standard sieves (per ASTM E11 designations), mechanical sieve shaker, balance, pans and covers.
• Sample preparation and reduction procedures (mechanical splitting when required) to obtain representative test portions.
• Sieving procedure and timing, calculation of mass retained and percent passing for each sieve, and preparation of gradation curves/reports.
• Instructions for combined grading when both fine and coarse fractions are present and for reporting in either SI or inch‑pound units (systems not to be mixed).
• Limitation: accurate determination of material finer than the 75 µm (No. 200) sieve is not achieved by this method alone; use Test Method C117 for washed samples finer than 75 µm.

Typical use and users

Used by materials testing laboratories, aggregate producers and suppliers, construction quality control personnel, civil and geotechnical engineers, transportation agencies, and research/academic groups involved in concrete, asphalt, and base material testing. Training and eLearning on C136 is commonly provided for technicians and laboratory personnel who perform aggregate testing.

Related standards

Directly referenced and commonly used alongside: ASTM C117 (Test Method for Materials Finer than 75‑µm (No. 200) Sieve by Washing), ASTM E11 (Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing Purposes — sieve designations), and other ASTM aggregate and concrete standards such as C33 (Specification for Concrete Aggregates). C136 is part of the ASTM C section covering aggregates and concrete testing.

Keywords

aggregate, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, sieve analysis, gradation, grading, particle size distribution, size analysis, C136, C136M.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM C136/C136M-25 is the ASTM test method that specifies the procedure for sieve analysis to determine the particle size distribution of fine and coarse aggregates.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample preparation, sieving procedures, calculation and reporting of percent retained and percent passing by sieve size, combined grading instructions, unit system guidance, and limitations for material finer than 75 µm (which is addressed by C117).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials testing labs, aggregate producers, construction QA/QC staff, engineers specifying or verifying aggregate gradation, and technicians trained to run aggregate tests.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The C136/C136M-25 edition is listed as the active version (last updated / active as of November 13, 2025). Users should confirm the active status before use if significant time has passed.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ASTM C standards for aggregates and concrete testing and is frequently used with related methods such as C117 and specifications including E11 for sieve designations and C33 for concrete aggregate requirements.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Aggregate, sieve analysis, gradation, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, particle size distribution, grading.