True or False: The sieving thoroughness procedure requires agitation by mechanical means.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only for fine aggregates
• D. Only for coarse aggregates

Answer: (B)

The statement is true; however, the correct answer is 'False,' indicating that the sieving thoroughness procedure does not explicitly require agitation by mechanical means. While mechanical agitation can enhance the efficiency of the sieving process, the procedure itself can be effectively performed by manual shaking. The fundamental purpose of sieving is to separate particles of different sizes, and this can be accomplished through a variety of methods, both mechanical and manual.

In many practical scenarios, particularly in laboratory settings, manual shaking might suffice to achieve the desired separations without the need for mechanical assistance. Therefore, the assertion that agitation by mechanical means is a requirement misinterprets the flexibility of the sieving procedure. The procedure's adaptability allows for a broader application, whether through mechanical or manual means, emphasizing that agitation is not strictly mandated.