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CE 222 Lab Exercise 2

The document discusses methods for reducing large field samples of aggregates to smaller sizes suitable for laboratory testing. It describes Method A, which uses a mechanical splitter, and Method B, which uses quartering. Both methods aim to obtain representative subsamples from the original field sample. The objective is for students to learn the correct method for obtaining aggregate samples for mechanical analysis. The document provides detailed steps for executing each method.

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Reyy Arboleras
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13 views

CE 222 Lab Exercise 2

The document discusses methods for reducing large field samples of aggregates to smaller sizes suitable for laboratory testing. It describes Method A, which uses a mechanical splitter, and Method B, which uses quartering. Both methods aim to obtain representative subsamples from the original field sample. The objective is for students to learn the correct method for obtaining aggregate samples for mechanical analysis. The document provides detailed steps for executing each method.

Uploaded by

Reyy Arboleras
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CE 222

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING


Laboratory Exercise No. 2:

REDUCING FIELD SAMPLE OF AGGREGATE


Discussion:
These methods cover the reduction of field samples to testing size employing techniques that are
intended to minimize variation in measured characteristics between the test samples selected and the field
sample.
Specifications for aggregate require sampling portion of the material for testing. Other factors being
equal, larger samples will tend to be more representative of the total supply.
These methods provide for reducing the large sample obtained in the field to a convenient size. This
is for the purpose of conducting a number of tests to describe the material and measure its quality in
manner that the smaller portion is most likely to be a representation of the field sample and thus the total
supply. The individual test methods provide for minimum weights of material to be tested.
Objective: To learn and understand the correct method of obtaining sample aggregate for
mechanical analysis.
Referenced Documents: ASTM (C 702 – 98, C 33, D 75, C 330 – 89) AASHTO T 248
Selection of Method:
1. Fine Aggregate – Filed sample of fine aggregate that are drier than the saturated surface-dry
condition shall be reduced in size by a mechanical splitter according to Method A. Field sample
having free moisture on the particle surface may be reduced in sizes by quartering method according
to Method B.
1.1 If the use of Method B is desired and the field sample does not have free moisture on the particle
surfaces, the sample may be moistened to achieve this condition, thoroughly mixed and then
the sample reduction performed.
1.2 If the use of Method A is desired and the field sample has free moisture on the particle surfaces,
the entire field sample may be dried to at least surface-dry condition using the temperature that
do not exceed those specified for any of the test contemplated and then the sample reduction
performed.
2. Coarse Aggregates and Mixture of Coarse and Fine Aggregates – Reduce the sample using a
mechanical splitter in accordance with Method A (preferred method) or by a quartering method in
accordance with Method B.
Apparatus and Materials:
1. Representative sample of aggregate
2. Spade
3. Container
4. Sample Splitter
Procedure:
Method A – Mechanical Splitter

1. Check moisture condition of aggregate – If the sample has free moisture on the particle surface
the entire sample must be dried to at least the SSD condition prior to reduction by splitter.

2. Check sample splitter chute opening. (Their number and width relative to maximum size of
aggregate)

3. Place the sample in the hopper or pan and uniformly distribute it from edge to edge, so that
when it is introduced into the chutes, approximate and equal amounts will flow through each
chute.

4. The rate of which the sample is introduced shall be of such as allow free flowing through the
chutes into the receptacle below.

5. Reintroduce the portion of the sample in one of the receptacles as many times as necessary to
reduce to specified size for the intended test.

6. The portion of the material collected in the other receptacle may be reserved for reduction in
size for other test.

Method B – Quartering

1. Place the sample on a hard, clean, level surface where there will neither loss of material nor the
accidental addition of foreign material.

2. Mix the material thoroughly by turning the entire sample over three times. With the last turning,
shovel the entire sample into a conical pile by depositing each shovel on top of the preceding
one.

3. Carefully flatten the conical pile to a uniform thickness and diameter, by pressing down the apex
with a shovel or other device so that each quarter sector of the resulting pile will contain the
material originally in it. The diameter should be approximately four to eight times the thickness.

4. Divide the flattened mass approximately into four equal part quarters with a shovel, trowel or
other suitable device and remove to diagonally opposite quarters, including all fine materials
and brush the cleared spaces clean.
5. Successively mix and quarter the remaining material until the sample is reduced to the desired
size.

Report:
1. Make a brief discussion on how the two methods were executed.
2. Include photo of the process.

Reference:
Gepulango, Gerardo G.: Material Testing Laboratory Manual.

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