American Association State

Designation: D 75/D 75M – 09 Highway and Transportation

Officials Standard
AASHTO No.: T2

Standard Practice for

Sampling Aggregates1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 75/D 75M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope similar acceptable guideline provides a means of evaluating and control-

ling some of those factors.
1.1 This practice covers sampling of coarse and fine aggre-
gates for the following purposes: 2. Referenced Documents
1.1.1 Preliminary investigation of the potential source of 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
supply, C 125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete
1.1.2 Control of the product at the source of supply, Aggregates
1.1.3 Control of the operations at the site of use, and C 702 Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to
1.1.4 Acceptance or rejection of the materials. Testing Size
NOTE 1—Sampling plans and acceptance and control tests vary with the D 8 Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pave-
type of construction in which the material is used. ments
1.2 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes D 2234/D 2234M Practice for Collection of a Gross Sample
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes of Coal
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered D 3665 Practice for Random Sampling of Construction
as requirements of the standard. Materials
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units D 3666 Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agen-
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in cies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each E 105 Practice for Probability Sampling Of Materials
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining E 122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate,
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic
with the standard. of a Lot or Process
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the E 141 Practice for Acceptance of Evidence Based on the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the Results of Probability Sampling
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3. Terminology
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 maximum size of aggregate, n—in specifications for,
NOTE 2—The quality of the results produced by this standard are or descriptions of aggregate—the smallest sieve opening
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing the procedure
and the capability, calibration, and maintenance of the equipment used.
through which the entire amount of aggregat is required to
Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D 3666 are generally consid- pass. C 125, D 8
ered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. 3.1.2 maximum aggregate size, (Superpave) n—in specifi-
Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D 3666 cations for, or descriptions of aggregate—one size larger than
alone does not completely assure reliable results. Reliable results depend the nominal maximum aggregate size.
on many factors; following the suggestions of Practice D 3666 or some 3.1.3 nominal maximum aggregate size (of aggregate),
n—in specifications for, or descriptions of aggregate—the
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1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road and
2
Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.30 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Methods of Sampling. contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved June 1, 2009. Published June 2009. Originally Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
approved in 1920. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as D 75 – 03. the ASTM website.

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 D 75/D 75M – 09
smallest sieve opening through which the entire amount of the sufficient size to intercept the entire cross section of the
aggregate is permitted to pass. C 125, D 8 discharge stream and hold the required quantity of material
3.1.4 nominal maximum aggregate size (Superpave), n—in without overflowing. A set of rails may be necessary to support
specifications for, or descriptions of aggregate—one size larger the pan as it is passed under the discharge stream. Insofar as is
than the first sieve that retains more than 10 % aggregate. possible, keep bins continuously full or nearly full to reduce
3.1.4.1 Discussion—These definitions in 3.1.2 and 3.1.4 segregation.
apply to hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures designed using the
NOTE 4—Sampling the initial discharge or the final few tons from a bin
Superpave system only, and differ from the definitions pub- or conveyor belt increases the chances of obtaining segregated material
lished in D 8 and should be avoided.
3.1.4.2 Discussion—Specifications on aggregates usually
stipulate a sieve opening through which all of the aggregate 5.3.2 Sampling from the Conveyor Belt—Select units to be
may, but not need to, pass so that a slated maximum portion of sampled by a random method, such as Practice D 3665, from
the aggregate may be retained on that sieve. A sieve opening so the production. Obtain at least three approximately equal
designed is the nominal maximum size. increments, selected at random, from the unit being sampled
and combine to form a field sample whose mass equals or
4. Significance and Use exceeds the minimum recommended in 5.4.2. Stop the con-
veyor belt while the sample increments are being obtained.
4.1 Sampling is equally as important as the testing, and the Insert two templates, the shape of which conforms to the shape
sampler shall use every precaution to obtain samples that will of the belt in the aggregate stream on the belt, and space them

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show the nature and condition of the materials which they such that the material contained between them will yield an
represent. increment of the required weight. Carefully scoop all material
4.2 Samples for preliminary investigation tests are obtained between the templates into a suitable container and collect the
by the party responsible for development of the potential fines on the belt with a brush and dust pan and add to the
source (Note 3). Samples of materials for control of the container.
production at the source or control of the work at the site of use 5.3.3 Sampling from Stockpiles or Transportation Units—
are obtained by the manufacturer, contractor, or other parties Avoid sampling coarse aggregate or mixed coarse and fine
responsible for accomplishing the work. Samples for tests to be aggregate from stockpiles or transportation units whenever
used in acceptance or rejection decisions by the purchaser are possible, particularly when the sampling is done for the
obtained by the purchaser or his authorized representative. purpose of determining aggregate properties that may be
NOTE 3—The preliminary investigation and sampling of potential dependent upon the grading of the sample. If circumstances
aggregate sources and types occupies a very important place in determin- make it necessary to obtain samples from a stockpile of coarse
ing the availability and suitability of the largest single constituent entering aggregate or a stockpile of combined coarse and fine aggregate,
into the construction. It influences the type of construction from the
design a sampling plan for the specific case under consider-
standpoint of economics and governs the necessary material control to
ensure durability of the resulting structure, from the aggregate standpoint. ation. This approach will allow the sampling agency to use a
This investigation should be done only by a responsible trained and sampling plan that will give a confidence in results obtained
experienced person. For more comprehensive guidance, see the Appendix. therefrom that is agreed upon by all parties concerned to be
acceptable for the particular situation. The sampling plan shall
5. Securing Samples define the number of samples necessary to represent lots and
5.1 General—Where practicable, samples to be tested for sublots of specific sizes. General principles for sampling from
quality shall be obtained from the finished product. Samples stockpiles are applicable to sampling from trucks, rail cars,
from the finished product to be tested for abrasion loss shall not barges, or other transportation units. For general guidance in
be subject to further crushing or manual reduction in particle sampling from stockpiles, see the Appendix.
size in preparation for the abrasion test unless the size of the 5.3.4 Sampling from Roadway (Bases and Subbases)—
finished product is such that it requires further reduction for Sample units selected by a random method, such as Practice
testing purposes. D 3665, from the construction. Obtain at least three approxi-
5.2 Inspection—The material shall be inspected to deter- mately equal increments, selected at random from the unit
mine discernible variations. The seller shall provide suitable being sampled, and combine to form a field sample whose
equipment needed for proper inspection and sampling. mass equals or exceeds the minimum recommended in 5.4.2.
5.3 Procedure: Take all increments from the roadway for the full depth of the
5.3.1 Sampling from a Flowing Aggregate Stream (Bins or material, taking care to exclude any underlying material.
Belt Discharge)—Select units to be sampled by a random Clearly mark the specific areas from which each increment is
method, such as Practice D 3665, from the production. Obtain to be removed: a metal template placed over the area is a
at least three approximately equal increments, selected at definite aid in securing approximately equal increment
random from the unit being sampled, and combine to form a weights.
field sample whose mass equals or exceeds the minimum 5.4 Number and Masses of Field Samples:
recommended in 5.4.2. Take each increment from the entire 5.4.1 The number of field samples (obtained by one of the
cross section of the material as it is being discharged. It is methods described in 5.3) required depends on the criticality
usually necessary to have a special device constructed for use of, and variation in, the properties to be measured. Designate
at each particular plant. This device consists of a pan of each unit from which a field sample is to be obtained prior to
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 D 75/D 75M – 09
sampling. The number of field samples from the production field sample according to Practice C 702 or as required by
should be sufficient to give the desired confidence in test other applicable test methods.
results.
6. Shipping Samples
NOTE 5—Guidance for determining the number of samples required to 6.1 Transport aggregates in bags or other containers so
obtain the desired level of confidence in test results may be found in Test
constructed as to preclude loss or contamination of any part of
Method D 2234/D 2234M, Practice E 105, Practice E 122, and Practice
E 141. the sample, or damage to the contents from mishandling during
shipment.
5.4.2 The field sample masses cited are tentative. The 6.2 Shipping containers for aggregate samples shall have
masses must be predicated on the type and number of tests to suitable individual identification attached and enclosed so that
which the material is to be subjected and sufficient material field reporting, laboratory logging, and test reporting may be
obtained to provide for the proper execution of these tests. facilitated.
Standard acceptance and control tests are covered by ASTM
standards and specify the portion of the field sample required 7. Keywords
for each specific test. Generally speaking, the amounts speci- 7.1 aggregates; exploration of potential sources; aggregates;
fied in Table 1 will provide adequate material for routine number and sizes needed to estimate character; aggregates;
grading and quality analysis. Extract test portions from the sampling

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 D 75/D 75M – 09
TABLE 1 Size of Samples
Field Sample
Field Sample Mass,
Aggregate SizeA Volume, min, L
min, kgB [lbs]
[Gal]
Fine Aggregate
2.36 mm [No. 8] 10 [22] 8 [2]
4.75 mm [No. 4] 10 [22] 8 [2]
Coarse Aggregate
9.5 mm [" in.] 10 [22] 8 [2]
12.5 mm [½ in.] 15 [35] 12 [3]
19.0 mm [3⁄4 in.] 25 [55] 20 [5]
25.0 mm [1 in.] 50 [110] 40 [10]
37.5 mm [1½ in.] 75 [165] 60 [15]
50 mm [2 in.] 100 [220] 80 [21]
63 mm [2½ in.] 125 [275] 100 [26]
75 mm [3 in.] 150 [330] 120 [32]
90 mm [3½ in.] 175 [385] 140 [37]
A
For processed aggregates, use the nominal maximum size as indicated by the appropriate specification or description. If the specification or description does not
indicate a nominal maximum size (for example, a sieve size indicating 90-100% passing), use the maximum size (that sieve indicating 100% passing).
B
For combined coarse and fine aggregates (for example, base or subbase aggregate), the minimum weight shall be coarse aggregate minimum mass plus 10 kg.

APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. SAMPLING AGGREGATE FROM STOCKPILES OR TRANSPORTATION UNITS

X1.1 Scope layer, which may have become segregated, should be removed
X1.1.1 In some situations it is mandatory to sample aggre- and the sample taken from the material beneath. Sampling

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gates that have been stored in stockpiles or loaded into rail tubes approximately 30-mm [1.25 in.] min by 2-m [6 ft] min in
cars, barges, or trucks. In such cases the procedure should length may be inserted into the pile at random locations to
ensure that segregation does not introduce a serious bias in the extract a minimum of five increments of material to form the
results. sample.

X1.2 Sampling from Stockpiles X1.3 Sampling from Transportation Units

X1.2.1 In sampling material from stockpiles it is very X1.3.1 In sampling coarse aggregates from railroad cars or
difficult to ensure unbiased samples, due to the segregation barges, effort should be made to enlist the services of power
which often occurs when material is stockpiled, with coarser equipment capable of exposing the material at various levels
particles rolling to the outside base of the pile. For coarse or and random locations. Where power equipment is not avail-

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mixed coarse and fine aggregate, every effort should be made able, a common procedure requires excavation of three or more
to enlist the services of power equipment to develop a separate, trenches across the unit at points that will, from visual
small sampling pile composed of materials drawn from various appearance, give a reasonable estimate of the characteristics of
levels and locations in the main pile after which several the load. The trench bottom should be approximately level, at
increments may be combined to compose the field sample. If least 0.3 m [1 ft] in width and in depth below the surface. A
necessary to indicate the degree of variability existing within minimum of three increments from approximately equally
the main pile, separate samples should be drawn from separate spaced points along each trench should be taken by pushing a
areas of the pile. shovel downward into the material. Coarse aggregate in trucks
X1.2.2 Where power equipment is not available, samples should be sampled in essentially the same manner as for rail
from stockpiles should be made up of at least three increments cars or barges, except for adjusting the number of increments
taken from the top third, at the mid-point, and at the bottom according to the size of the truck. For fine aggregate in
third of the volume of the pile. A board shoved vertically into transportation units, sampling tubes as described in X1.2 may
the pile just above the sampling point aids in preventing further be used to extract an appropriate number of increments to form
segregation. In sampling stockpiles of fine aggregate the outer the sample.

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X2. EXPLORATION OF POTENTIAL AGGREGATE SOURCES

X2.1 Scope air-photo interpretation, geophysical exploration, or other types

X2.1.1 Sampling for evaluation of potential aggregate of terrain investigation.
sources should be performed by a responsible trained and X2.3.2 Sampling—Samples should be so chosen from each
experienced person. Because of the wide variety of conditions different stratum in the deposit discernible to the sampler. An
under which sampling may have to be done it is not possible to estimate of the quantity of the different materials should be
describe detailed procedures applicable to all circumstances. made. If the deposit is worked as an open-face bank or pit,
This appendix is intended to provide general guidance and list samples should be taken by channeling the face vertically,
more comprehensive references. bottom to top, so as to represent the materials proposed for use.
Overburdened or disturbed material should not be included in
X2.2 Sampling Stone from Quarries or Ledges the sample. Test holes should be excavated or drilled at
X2.2.1 Inspection—The ledge or quarry face should be numerous locations in the deposit to determine the quality of
inspected to determine discernible variations or strata. Differ- the material and the extent of the deposit beyond the exposed
ences in color and structure should be recorded. face, if any. The number and depth of test holes will depend
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X2.2.2 Sampling and Size of Sample—Separate samples upon the quantity of the material needed, topography of the
having a mass of at least 25 kg [55 lbs] should be obtained area, nature of the deposit, character of the material, and
from each discernible stratum. The sample should not include potential value of the material in the deposit. If visual inspec-
material weathered to such an extent that it is no longer suitable tion indicates that there is considerable variation in the
for the purpose intended. One or more pieces in each sample material, individual samples should be selected from the
should be at least 150 by 150 by 100 mm [6 in. by 6 in. by 4 material in each well defined stratum. Each sample should be
in.] in size with the bedding plane plainly marked, and this thoroughly mixed and quartered if necessary so that the field
piece should be free of seams or fractures. sample thus obtained will be at least 12 kg [25 lbs] for sand and
X2.2.3 Record—In addition to the general information ac- 35 kg [75 lbs] if the deposit contains an appreciable amount of
companying all samples the following information should coarse aggregate.
accompany samples taken from ledges or quarry faces: X2.3.3 Record—In addition to the general information ac-
X2.2.3.1 Approximate quantity available. (If quantity is companying all samples the following information should
very large this may be recorded as practically unlimited.) accompany samples of bank run sand and gravel:
X2.2.3.2 Quantity and character of overburden. X2.3.3.1 Location of supply.
X2.2.3.3 A detailed record showing boundaries and location X2.3.3.2 Estimate of approximate quantity available.
of material represented by each sample. X2.3.3.3 Quantity and character of overburden.
NOTE X2.1—A sketch, plan, and elevation, showing the thickness and X2.3.3.4 Length of haul to proposed site of work.
location of the different layers is recommended for this purpose. X2.3.3.5 Character of haul (kind of road, maximum grades,

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X2.3 Sampling Roadside or Bank Run Sand and Gravel and so forth)
Deposits X2.3.3.6 Details as to extent and location of material
X2.3.1 Inspection—Potential sources of bank run sand and represented by each sample.
gravel may include previously worked pits from which there is NOTE X2.2—A sketch of plans and elevations, showing the thickness
an exposed face or potential deposits discovered through and location of different layers, is recommended for this purpose.

X3. NUMBER AND SIZE OF INCREMENTS NEEDED TO ESTIMATE CHARACTER OF UNIT SAMPLED

X3.1 Scope designed to ensure accurate representation of the field sample,

X3.1.1 This appendix presents the rationale used by the and thus of the unit sampled.
responsible committee in the development of this practice. X3.2.4 unit—a batch or finite subdivision of a lot of bulk
material (for example, a truck load or a specific area covered).
X3.2 Descriptions of Terms Specific to This Standard
X3.2.1 field sample—a quantity of the material to be tested X3.3 Test Unit, Size, and Variability
of sufficient size to provide an acceptable estimate of the X3.3.1 The unit to be represented by a single field sample
average quality of a unit. should neither be so large as to mask the effects of significant
X3.2.2 lot—a sizable isolated quantity of bulk material variability within the unit nor be so small as to be affected by
from a single source, assumed to have been produced by the the inherent variability between small portions of any bulk
same process (for example, a day’s production or a specific material.
mass or volume). X3.3.2 A unit of bulk material composed of graded aggre-
X3.2.3 test portion—a quantity of the material of sufficient gate or aggregate mixtures might consist of a full truckload. If
size extracted from the larger field sample by a procedure it were possible, the entire load might be tested; as a practical

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matter, a field sample is composed of three or more increments X3.3.3 Significant variability with a lot of material, where it
chosen at random from the material as it is loaded or unloaded might exist, should be indicated by statistical measures, such as
from the truck. Research has shown that such a procedure the standard deviation between units selected at random from
permits an acceptable estimate to be made of the average within the lot.
gradation that might be measured from 15 or 20 increments
from the truck.

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