During the shaker adequacy check, how should the sieve be struck?

When performing the shaker adequacy check, striking the sieve with an upward motion using the heel of the hand is the preferred method. This technique ensures that the force applied is both effective in producing the necessary agitation without damaging the sieve or affecting its ability to properly separate materials. The upward motion allows for a consistent and controlled impact, which is essential for accurately assessing whether the shaker is operating effectively and if the sieve can adequately stratify the aggregate materials being tested.

This method promotes the appropriate vibrational response of the shaker and the sieve, ensuring that all particles receive adequate movement to pass through the openings, which is critical for achieving reliable test results. Proper technique in this step can prevent any potential misinterpretation of the sieve performance, which could lead to erroneous conclusions about the aggregate’s characteristics. Using the heel of the hand also minimizes the risk of creating too much force that may compromise the integrity of the sieve or disturb the collected materials.