Determination of sieve grading curves using an optical device

The grading curve of an aggregate is a fundamental characteristic for mix design that can easily be modified to adjust several mix properties. While sieve analysis remains the reference method to determine this curve, optical devices are developing, allowing easier and faster assessment of aggregate grading. Unfortunately, optical grading results significantly differ from sieve grading curves. As a consequence, getting full acceptance of these new methods requires building bridges between the various particle size measurement systems. In order to build the sieve grading curve of an aggregate sample from video image analysis, a new model using images captured by a single camera device has been developed. This model has been tested on different samples stemming from four quarries with various petrography and flakiness index. For the 10/12.5, 12.5/16, 10/16 and 10/25 size fractions, the difference between actual sieve grading curve and optical grading curve is smaller than 7%. For the 6.3/10 fraction, the maximum difference between the two grading curves is equal to 15%. This difference could mainly be explained by parasitical rotation of small particles before image capture.

Research highlights
► The sieve grading curve of aggregates is derived from particle screenshots.
► Images are captured using a commercially available single camera device.
► Particles third dimension is extrapolated from 2D geometry using a semi-empirical model.
► Experimental pass/stop sieve criteria are subsequently applied to particles 3 dimensions.
► Model is efficient for aggregates with particles larger than 10 mm.