Sieve Analysis of Crusher Dust: Unlocking Particle Distribution for Engineering Applications

Введение
Дробилка пыли, также известный как карьерная пыль, каменная пыль, or manufactured sand (М-Песок), is a vital by-product generated during the crushing of rocks and stones in quarries and aggregate processing plants. Primarily composed of fine particles passing the 4.75 мм (Нет. 4) сито, its properties significantly influence its suitability for various construction applications like concrete production, road base/subbase layers, fill material, and asphalt mixes. Among the most critical tests to characterize crusher dust is Sieve Analysis. This fundamental procedure provides essential data on the particle size distribution (градация), which directly governs the material's engineering behavior – its strength, compaction characteristics, permeability, drainage potential, and overall performance in its intended use.

The Significance of Sieve Analysis
Sieve analysis remains the most widely adopted and relatively simple method for determining the gradation of granular materials like crusher dust. Its importance lies in:

1. Gradation Characterization: It quantifies the proportions of particles within specific size ranges.
2. Контроль качества: Ensures consistency in crusher dust production by comparing batches against target specifications.
3. Predicting Performance: Gradation influences key properties:
Уплотнение & Плотность: Well-graded materials achieve higher densities under compaction.
Сила & Стабильность: Proper interlocking of particles enhances shear strength and load-bearing capacity.
Проницаемость & Дренаж: Fines content controls how easily water flows through the material.
Frost Susceptibility: High fines content can lead to detrimental frost heave.
Работоспособность (in Concrete): Affects water demand and ease of placement/finishing.
4. Compliance Verification: Checks if the material meets standards set by organizations like ASTM or AASHTO for specific applications (например, ASTM C33 for concrete sand).

The Sieve Analysis Procedure (ASTM C136 / AASHTO T27)
The standard dry sieve analysis method involves separating a representative sample of oven-dried crusher dust through a nested stack of sieves with progressively smaller openings.

1. Sample Preparation:
Obtain a representative sample using appropriate splitting techniques (например, riffle splitter).

Dry the sample thoroughly in an oven at approximately 110 ±5°C until constant mass is achieved to remove moisture that