American Association State

Designation: C702/C702M – 11 Highway and Transportation

Officials Standard: T 248

Standard Practice for

Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C702/C702M; 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 3. Terminology
1.1 This practice covers three methods for the reduction of 3.1 Definitions—The terms used in this practice are defined
large samples of aggregate to the appropriate size for testing in Terminology C125.
employing techniques that are intended to minimize variations
in measured characteristics between the test samples so se- 4. Significance and Use
lected and the large sample. 4.1 Specifications for aggregates require sampling portions
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units of the material for testing. Other factors being equal, larger
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in samples will tend to be more representative of the total supply.
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each This practice provides procedures for reducing the large
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining sample obtained in the field or produced in the laboratory to a
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance convenient size for conducting a number of tests to describe the
with the standard. material and measure its quality in a manner that the smaller
test sample portion is most likely to be a representation of the
NOTE 1—Sieve size is identified by its standard designation in Speci-
fication E11. The alternative designation given in parentheses is for larger sample, and thus of the total supply. Failure to carefully
information only and does not represent a different standard sieve size. follow the procedures in this practice could result in providing
a nonrepresentative sample to be used in subsequent testing.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
The individual test methods provide for minimum amount of
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
material to be tested.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.2 Under certain circumstances, reduction in size of the
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
large sample prior to testing is not recommended. Substantial
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
differences between the selected test samples sometimes can-
2. Referenced Documents not be avoided, as for example, in the case of an aggregate
having relatively few large size particles in the sample. The
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
laws of chance dictate that these few particles may be
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
unequally distributed among the reduced size test samples.
gregates
Similarly, if the test sample is being examined for certain
C128 Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific
contaminants occurring as a few discrete fragments in only
Gravity), and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
small percentages, caution should be used in interpreting
D75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates
results from the reduced size test sample. Chance inclusion or
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
exclusion of only one or two particles in the selected test
Sieves
sample may importantly influence interpretation of the charac-
teristics of the original sample. In these cases, the entire
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete original sample should be tested.
and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.20 on
Normal Weight Aggregates. 5. Selection of Method
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2011. Published September 2011. Originally
approved in 1971. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as C702–98(2003). DOI: 5.1 Fine Aggregate—Reduce the size of samples of fine
10.1520/C0702_C0702M-11. aggregate that are drier than the saturated-surface-dry condi-
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or tion (Note 2) using a mechanical splitter according to Method
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on A. Reduce the size of samples having free moisture on the
the ASTM website.

Copyright. (C) ASTM International. 100 Barr Harbor Drive PO Box C700 West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania 19428-2959, United States

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Jan 10 12:12:20 EST 2012
1
Downloaded/printed by
M Hermilo Del Castillo (INSTITUTO MEXICANO TRANSPORTE) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 C702/C702M – 11
particle surfaces by quartering according to Method B, or by METHOD A—MECHANICAL SPLITTER
treating as a miniature stockpile as described in Method C.
5.1.1 If the use of Method B or Method C is desired, and the 7. Apparatus
sample does not have free moisture on the particle surfaces, 7.1 Sample Splitter—Sample splitters shall have an even
moisten the sample to obtain free moisture on the particle number of equal width chutes, but not less than a total of eight
surfaces, mix thoroughly, and then reduce the sample size. for coarse aggregate, or twelve for fine aggregate, which
5.1.2 If use of Method A is desired and the sample has free discharge alternately to each side of the splitter. For coarse
moisture on the particle surfaces, dry the entire sample to at aggregate and mixed aggregate, the minimum width of the
least the saturated-surface-dry condition, using temperatures individual chutes shall be approximately 50 % larger than the
that do not exceed those specified for any of the tests largest particles in the sample to be split (Note 3). For dry fine
contemplated, and then reduce the sample size. Alternatively, if aggregate in which the entire sample will pass the 9.5-mm
the moist sample is very large, make a preliminary split using (3⁄8-in.) seive, a splitter having chutes 12.5 to 20 mm [1⁄2 to 3⁄4
a mechanical splitter having chute openings of 38 mm [11⁄2 in.] in.] wide shall be used. The splitter shall be equipped with two
or more in width to reduce the sample to not less than 5 kg [10 receptacles to hold the two halves of the sample following
lb]. Dry the portion so obtained, and reduce it to test sample splitting. It shall also be equipped with a hopper or straight-
size using Method A. edged pan which has a width equal to or slightly less than the
NOTE 2—The method of determining the saturated-surface-dry condi- over-all width of the assembly of chutes, by which the sample
tion is described in Test Method C128. As a quick approximation, if the may be fed at a controlled rate to the chutes. The splitter and
fine aggregate will retain its shape when molded in the hand, it may be accessory equipment shall be so designed that the sample will
considered to be wetter than saturated-surface-dry. flow smoothly without restriction or loss of material (see Fig.
5.2 Coarse Aggregates and Mixtures of Coarse and Fine 1 and Fig. 2).
Aggregates—Reduce the sample using a mechanical splitter in NOTE 3—Mechanical splitters are commonly available in sizes ad-
accordance with Method A (preferred method) or by quartering equate for coarse aggregate having the largest particle not over 37.5 mm
in accordance with Method B. The miniature stockpile Method [11⁄2 in.].
C is not permitted for coarse aggregates or mixtures of coarse
and fine aggregates. 8. Procedure
8.1 Place the original sample in the hopper or pan and
6. Sampling uniformly distribute it from edge to edge, so that when it is
6.1 Obtain samples of aggregate in the field in accordance introduced into the chutes, approximately equal amounts will
with Practice D75, or as required by individual test methods. flow through each chute. Introduce the sample at a rate so as to
When tests for sieve analysis only are contemplated, the size of allow it to flow freely through the chutes and into the
the field sample listed in Practice D75 is usually adequate. receptacles below. Reintroduce the portion of the sample in one
When additional tests are to be conducted, the user shall be of the receptacles into the splitter as many times as necessary
satisfied that the initial size of the field sample is adequate to to reduce the sample to the size specified for the intended test.
accomplish all intended tests. Use similar procedures for Reserve the portion of material collected in the other receptacle
aggregate produced in the laboratory. for reduction in size for other tests, when required.

FIG. 1 Large Sample Splitter for Coarse Aggregate

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Jan 10 12:12:20 EST 2012
2
Downloaded/printed by
M Hermilo Del Castillo (INSTITUTO MEXICANO TRANSPORTE) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 C702/C702M – 11

NOTE— Small Sample Splitters for Fine Aggregate. May be constructed as either closed or open type. Closed type is preferred.
FIG. 2 Sample Splitters (Riffles)

METHOD B—QUARTERING thoroughly by turning the entire sample over three times. With
the last turning, shovel the entire sample into a conical pile by
9. Apparatus depositing each shovelful on top of the preceding one. Care-
9.1 Apparatus shall consist of a straight-edged scoop, fully flatten the conical pile to a uniform thickness and
shovel, or trowel; a broom or brush; and a canvas blanket diameter by pressing down the apex with a shovel so that each
approximately 2 by 2.5 m [6 by 8 ft]. quarter sector of the resulting pile will contain the material
originally in it. The diameter should be approximately four to
10. Procedure eight times the thickness. Divide the flattened mass into four
10.1 Use either the procedure described in 10.1.1 or 10.1.2 equal quarters with a shovel or trowel and remove two
or a combination of both. diagonally opposite quarters, including all fine material, and
10.1.1 Place the original sample on a hard, clean, level brush the cleared spaces clean. Successively mix and quarter
surface where there will be neither loss of material nor the the remaining material until the sample is reduced to the
accidental addition of foreign material. Mix the material desired size (Fig. 3).

FIG. 3 Quartering on a Hard, Clean Level Surface

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Jan 10 12:12:20 EST 2012
3
Downloaded/printed by
M Hermilo Del Castillo (INSTITUTO MEXICANO TRANSPORTE) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 C702/C702M – 11
10.1.2 As an alternative to the procedure described in 12. Procedure
10.1.1, when the floor surface is uneven, place the field sample
12.1 Place the original sample of damp fine aggregate on a
on a canvas blanket and mix with a shovel as described in
hard clean, level surface where there will be neither loss of
10.1.1, or by alternately lifting each corner of the canvas and
material nor the accidental addition of foreign material. Mix
pulling it over the sample toward the diagonally opposite
corner causing the material to be rolled. Flatten the pile as the material thoroughly by turning the entire sample over three
described in 10.1.1. Divide the sample as described in 10.1.1, times. With the last turning, shovel the entire sample into a
or if the surface beneath the blanket is uneven, insert a stick or conical pile by depositing each shovelful on top of the
pipe beneath the blanket and under the center of the pile, then preceding one. If desired, flatten the conical pile to a uniform
lift both ends of the stick, dividing the sample into two equal thickness and diameter by pressing down the apex with a
parts. Remove the stick leaving a fold of the blanket between shovel so that each quarter sector of the resulting pile will
the divided portions. Insert the stick under the center of the pile contain the material originally in it. Obtain a sample for each
at right angles to the first division and again lift both ends of test by selecting at least five increments of material at random
the stick, dividing the sample into four equal parts. Remove locations from the miniature stockpile, using any of the
two diagonally opposite quarters, being careful to clean the sampling devices described in 11.1.
fines from the blanket. Successively mix and quarter the
remaining material until the sample is reduced to the desired 13. Keywords
size (Fig. 4).
13.1 aggregate; aggregate—coarse; aggregate—fine; field
METHOD C—MINIATURE STOCKPILE SAMPLING testing—aggregate; sampling—aggregates; sample reduction;
(DAMP FINE AGGREGATE ONLY) specimen preparation
11. Apparatus
11.1 Apparatus shall consist of a straight-edged scoop,
shovel, or trowel for mixing the aggregate, and either a small
sampling thief, small scoop, or spoon for sampling.

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Jan 10 12:12:20 EST 2012
4
Downloaded/printed by
M Hermilo Del Castillo (INSTITUTO MEXICANO TRANSPORTE) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 C702/C702M – 11

FIG. 4 Quartering on a Canvas Blanket

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or [email protected] (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org). Permission rights to photocopy the standard may also be secured from the ASTM website (www.astm.org/
COPYRIGHT/).

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Jan 10 12:12:20 EST 2012
5
Downloaded/printed by
M Hermilo Del Castillo (INSTITUTO MEXICANO TRANSPORTE) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.