Minimum sample mass for fine aggregate is 300 g after drying.

• A. False
• B. Not specified
• C. Minimum mass for fine aggregate is 250 g after drying.
• D. Minimum mass for fine aggregate is 300 g after drying.

Answer: (D)

For accurate sieve analysis of fine aggregate, you need enough material to represent the particle size distribution and to yield stable, reliable results after drying. Requiring a minimum of 300 g after oven drying ensures there’s enough mass to weigh on each sieve, minimizes sampling and weighing errors, and accounts for any material that may cling to equipment. Drying to a constant mass removes moisture that would otherwise inflate the measured weight and skew results, so the mass is specified specifically after drying. If you used less material, like 250 g, the results could have greater statistical and procedural error; if the standard doesn’t specify a value, there would be no concrete guideline to follow. Therefore, the statement that the minimum mass for fine aggregate after drying is 300 g is correct.