If the pan weight exceeds what percentage of the original sample weight, the shaker is considered inadequate?

The threshold for determining whether a shaker is inadequate is established based on the relationship between the pan weight after shaking and the original sample weight. A pan weight that exceeds 0.5% of the original sample weight indicates that excessive material has been lost during the shaking process, suggesting that the shaker may not be effectively retaining the sample.

To understand this better, consider the implications of a shaker's performance. When conducting tests on soils and aggregates, it is crucial to ensure that the shaker efficiently separates the material according to particle size without unnecessarily losing particles to the pan. Losing more than 0.5% of the sample could indicate that the shaker's vibration or movement is too aggressive, potentially leading to inaccuracies in test results. As such, adhering to this specific limit is crucial for maintaining the integrity of sample analysis and ensuring reliable data collection.