Why is it important to avoid overloading a sieve during an analysis?

Overloading a sieve during an analysis is critically important to avoid because it can lead to inaccurate results. When too much material is placed on the sieve, the particles may not be able to move freely, which prevents thorough separation based on size. This can result in smaller particles becoming trapped among larger particles instead of being properly classified, skewing the results of the analysis. Accurate gradation is vital for assessing the quality of aggregates and soils for construction purposes, making the precision of the sieving process essential for reliable data.

While other issues like potential damage to the sieve or increased testing time are valid concerns, the primary focus in a testing scenario is on obtaining accurate measurements for analysis and ensuring the integrity of the data collected.