During the dry sieve analysis, what should be weighed to ensure accuracy?

During the dry sieve analysis, weighing the dry aggregate is crucial for ensuring accuracy because this measurement directly reflects the amount of material being tested. Accurately weighing the dry aggregate allows for the calculation of the particle size distribution, which is essential for characterizing the aggregate's performance in construction applications.

By obtaining the weight of the dry aggregate, technicians can determine the proportions of different size fractions after sieving. This is fundamental to ensure that the aggregate meets the specifications required for its intended use, such as paving or other structural applications.

Other options, while relevant in the process, do not provide the necessary data for calculating the results of the dry sieve analysis. For instance, weighing the entire stockpile doesn’t give a representative sample for analysis, and knowing the moisture content is important but not the focus of this particular testing method. Similarly, while the sample container may need to be weighed before or after adding the aggregate to determine the total weight, it does not contribute directly to the sieve analysis itself. The focus on dry aggregate emphasizes the core objective of accurately evaluating material characteristics.