What procedure should be followed when the sieve contains too much material during fine aggregate testing?

When conducting fine aggregate testing, it is essential to ensure that the sieve analysis results are accurate and reliable. If a sieve contains too much material, the appropriate procedure is to sieve the sample in parts. This method allows for a more controlled and thorough analysis of the aggregate, preventing overload on the sieve and ensuring that the sample can be sifted properly.

Sieving the sample in parts facilitates better separation of the aggregate sizes, leading to more precise measurements of each fraction. If too much material is placed on the sieve at once, it can hinder the effective movement of particles through the openings, resulting in inaccurate results and a potential misrepresentation of the material's gradation.

Following this approach ensures compliance with established testing standards and provides the necessary data required for evaluations in construction and engineering processes. Maintaining the integrity of the test is crucial for achieving reliable results.